Show Caption
The U.S. men's national team opened the 2026 World Cup with a 4-1 victory over Paraguay on Friday, June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.Mauricio Pochettino had a full complement of players at his disposal with the return of Chris Richards to the lineup. His inclusion in place of Miles Robinson was the only change from the team that started against Germany.The Americans got off to a dream start when Weston McKennie forced an own goal from Paraguay's Damián Bobadilla just seven minutes in. From then on, the U.S. dominated the first half, controlling possession and taking advantage near the half-hour mark.Buy USMNT World Cup tickets!Folarin Balogun doubled the lead, clinically finishing a pass from Christian Pulisic. The Monaco striker would cap off a perfect opening 45 minutes with a brace to make it 3-0 heading into the break.The only worry of the match for the U.S. came at halftime when Pulisic was substituted because he had been kicked in the calf. The level of play in the second half didn't match the first and Paraguay pulled a goal back with 20 minutes left. Gio Reyna restored the three-goal lead on the final kick of the match to give his side a resounding win.The USMNT's next match will be against Australia on Friday, June 19 in Seattle.Let's take a look at how the USMNT players performed in their opening World Cup win.GK: Matt Freese - 6With Paraguay being overwhelmed for the majority of the match, he had nothing to do other than picking the ball out of his net.RWB: Sergiño Dest - 7With the U.S. dominating the play, Dest was able to play as a de facto winger. He was as dangerous as ever, getting into great positions in the attack and causing problems. If he's going to continue to get clear cut chances to score, he needs to be more efficient in those spots.RCB: Alex Freeman - 7.5Is he a right-back? Is he a center back? Does it matter? He's seemingly everywhere on the field, fighting to win the ball back. His energy and tenacity helped set the tone.CCB: Chris Richards - 6.5It's clear he was sorely missed from a leadership and structural perspective. Oh yeah, he's also extremely good. He's cemented himself as one of the most valuable players on this team.LCB: Tim Ream - 6A couple of nerve-wracking moments never materialized into anything threatening. It was an anonymous performance otherwise.LWB: Antonee Robinson - 7Jedi is at his best when he has the freedom to go up and down the flank at his leisure like he was able to in this match. He was in tons of space all night and came close a couple of times to a tangible reward of a goal or assist.CM: Tyler Adams - 6.5Aside from a silly yellow card and one questionable moment in possession, it was a fine showing for the midfield leader. He must be more intelligent to not put himself in yellow card danger for the rest of the tournament.CM: Weston McKennie - 7.5Weston McKennie's career-best season has spilled over into the World Cup as he was a constant influence in the midfield. His roaming role takes him all over the field and it's the perfect fit for this style of play.RW: Malik Tillman - 8It was questionable whether Tillman would be in the starting lineup for the opening match. He responded to the doubt with a scintillating performance that included everything but a goal contribution. He was buzzing all around the attacking end, popping up in different spots and creating chances.FW: Folarin Balogun - 9The U.S. has waited a long time for a proper striker to rely on in big matches. Balogun proved he's the man for the job in this one, with two well-taken, clinical goals to send SoFi Stadium into a frenzy. If this is the type of form he exudes all summer, it could be a very long one for the Americans.LW: Christian Pulisic - 8.5It was an inspired 45 minutes for Pulisic before he was removed at halftime. He was impossible for Paraguay to handle of the left flank as any time he touched the ball something good happened for the USA. It was his brilliant dribbling that eventually led to the own goal to start the match. He then set up Balogun for the second goal of the match.An in-form Pulisic makes this team extremely dangerous. He said he was "taking a little bit of precaution today, but I'm hoping I'll be fine."Sub: Sebastian Berhalter - 6Didn't look out of place in the midfield after coming on. He had one moment to put his name up in lights but shanked a long-range chip attempt. It's clear to see that Pochettino rates him highly as he was the first name off the bench.Sub: Ricardo Pepi- 5.5He passed up a golden chance and missed one. If you're going to get chances at the World Cup, you have to take advantage of them.Sub: Tim Weah - 6Didn't have a ton to do after coming on other than running up and down the flank.Sub: Gio Reyna - 8Did virtually nothing after coming on until he scored an absolute banger with the outside of his foot with the final touch of the match.
