United States defeated Paraguay 4-1 in the group stage, Group D of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The match took place on 13 June 2026 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, as part of the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage, Group D. A packed crowd watched the United States host Paraguay in what proved to be a decisive encounter for both sides.

How it unfolded

The opening minutes saw a dramatic twist when Paraguay defender Damián Bobadilla inadvertently turned a ball into his own net in the 7th minute, handing the United States an early 1-0 lead. Just three minutes later, Paraguay midfielder Juan José Cáceres received a yellow card for a bad foul, signalling an early disciplinary note.

The United States amplified their advantage in the 31st minute when Folarin Balogun finished a right-footed strike from the centre of the box, the move set up by Christian Pulisic. The score moved to 2-0 and the hosts continued to press. Five minutes into stoppage time of the first half, Balogun struck again, this time with his left foot, converting a centre that had been delivered by Malik Tillman. The half-time whistle confirmed a commanding 3-0 lead for the United States.

Early in the second half, the match took a pivotal turn. In the 52nd minute, centre-back Tim Ream was sent off after a VAR review changed the original decision, leaving the United States to play the remainder of the game with ten men. The following minute, Paraguay’s Miguel Almirón was booked.

Six minutes later, United States midfielder Tyler Adams received a yellow card for a bad foul, adding to the disciplinary tally. Despite being a man down, the United States held their lead until Paraguay responded in the 73rd minute. Maurício found the net with a left-footed finish from the centre of the box after a set-piece delivery from Julio Enciso, reducing the deficit to 3-1.

Paraguay’s frustration grew as the clock ticked on. Diego Gómez was booked in the 79th minute for a bad foul, followed by Álex Arce in the 88th minute for a similar offence. In the final moments of added time, Júnior Alonso also received a yellow card in the 90'+3 minute.

The match concluded with a late flourish from the United States. In the 90'+8 minute, Giovanni Reyna slotted a right-footed shot from the centre of the box, the assist coming from Alex Freeman, sealing a 4-1 victory as the final whistle blew.

Standout performers

  • Folarin Balogun (USA) – two goals (31’, 45'+5’) and the focal point of the United States’ attacking display.
  • Christian Pulisic (USA) – provided the assist for Balogun’s first goal.
  • Malik Tillman (USA) – set up Balogun’s second strike with a precise assist.
  • Giovanni Reyna (USA) – added the fourth goal with an assist from Alex Freeman in stoppage time.
  • Alex Freeman (USA) – created the decisive late chance for Reyna.
  • Maurício (Paraguay) – scored the lone Paraguay goal after a set-piece, assisted by Julio Enciso.
  • Julio Enciso (Paraguay) – delivered the set-piece that led to Maurício’s goal.

Match facts

  • Final score: United States 4-1 Paraguay
  • Scorers:
    • 7' – Damián Bobadilla (own goal) (USA)
    • 31' – Folarin Balogun (assist: Christian Pulisic) (USA)
    • 45'+5' – Folarin Balogun (assist: Malik Tillman) (USA)
    • 73' – Maurício (assist: Julio Enciso) (Paraguay)
    • 90'+8' – Giovanni Reyna (assist: Alex Freeman) (USA)
  • Bookings:
    • Juan José Cáceres (Paraguay) – 10'
    • Miguel Almirón (Paraguay) – 53'
    • Tyler Adams (USA) – 59'
    • Diego Gómez (Paraguay) – 79'
    • Álex Arce (Paraguay) – 88'
    • Júnior Alonso (Paraguay) – 90'+3'
  • Sending-off: Tim Ream (USA) – straight red, 52' (VAR decision)
  • Venue: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California

What it means

The United States’ 4-1 triumph gives them a strong start to their Group D campaign in the FIFA World Cup 2026, while Paraguay will look to regroup as the group stage continues. Both teams remain in the competition with further matches to come.