Mauricio Pochettino Leads USMNT To Record-Breaking World Cup Win vs. Paraguay

The United States Men's National Team (USMNT) has played its first match of the 2026 World Cup as a host nation, and they destroyed Paraguay 4-1 at Los Angeles Stadium.

The USMNT started on fire for this 2026 World Cup after taking a 3-0 lead at halftime with two goals from Folarin Balogun. The opener was an own goal from Paraguay midfielder Damian Bobadilla.

In the second half, the USMNT would concede a goal, but Giovanni Reyna scored Team USA's fourth goal of the night, which has put this win in the history books.

This win over Paraguay marks the USMNT's first World Cup win with four goals. It is the most goals the USMNT has ever scored in a single World Cup game. Mauricio Pochettino put out a 4-2-3-1 formation, with the team often moving into a 3-4-3 formation as well during the match.

Who Team Does the USMNT Play Next After Beating Paraguay?

The USMNT is in Group D with Paraguay, Turkey, and Australia. The USMNT is currently top of Group D with three points and a goal difference of +3.

The USMNT will play Australia next Friday, June 19, 2026, at Seattle Stadium. Their final group stage match will be against Turkey on June 25, 2026, at Los Angeles Stadium.

Australia and Turkey face off on June 13, 2026, at 9 p.m. local time in Vancouver, Canada, at BC Place.

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This story was originally published June 12, 2026 at 11:21 PM.