FIFA World Cup 2026: USA thrash Paraguay 4-1 to begin campaign in style

The United States men's national team opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay on Saturday. The match, played at a sold-out stadium, saw the Americans take control early and never look back.

Christian Pulisic scored the opening goal in the 12th minute, finishing a swift counterattack. Timothy Weah doubled the lead before halftime with a precise strike from the edge of the box. Paraguay pulled one back early in the second half through a set piece, but the USA responded quickly.

Weston McKennie restored the two-goal cushion with a header in the 58th minute, and substitute Ricardo Pepi sealed the win with a late goal in stoppage time. The victory puts the USA top of Group B on goal difference.

Head coach Gregg Berhalter praised his team's intensity and execution. 'We came out with the right mentality and stuck to our game plan,' he said. The USA next face South Korea on Thursday, while Paraguay will look to rebound against Nigeria.