US opens 2026 World Cup with dominant 4-1 win over Paraguay
The United States kicked off the 2026 World Cup with a commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay at SoFi Stadium on Friday, with Christian Pulisic setting up two goals and Folarin Balogun scoring twice Source: latimes. The US took an early lead in the seventh minute through a Paraguayan own goal, and Balogun added two more before halftime. Gio Reyna scored the fourth in stoppage time. The result gives the co-hosts a strong start in Group D.
The co-host picture
Mexico opened the tournament with a 2-0 win over South Africa, while Canada drew 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina Source: apnews. Bosnia's campaign has been boosted by a viral anthem, "I Am From Bosnia, Take Me to America," a reworked version of Dubioza Kolektiv's song that has become a rallying cry Source: apnews.
Group D and beyond
Turkey, another Group D team, enters the tournament with a young squad led by Arda Guler and Hakan Calhanoglu, hoping to shed their "dark horses" tag Source: theguardian. Meanwhile, Argentina's Lionel Messi sat out a friendly with a hamstring strain, raising fitness concerns ahead of their title defense Source: AP News. The US next faces Australia on June 19 in Seattle.
Sources
6 quotes“Christian Pulisic setting up two goals and Folarin Balogun scoring twice in his World Cup debut, sparking an impressive 4-1 victory over Paraguay”
“The band decided to deliver an updated version of what Jakubović describes as a 'typical immigrant song,' writing new lyrics befitting a soccer anthem.”
“Turkey enter Group D alongside Australia, Paraguay and co-hosts the United States fancying their chances of progressing.”
“Lionel Messi sat out Argentina’s friendly match against Honduras on Saturday night as he continues to manage muscle fatigue and a mild strain in his left hamstring”
“On the eve of arguably the biggest game in United States soccer history, the USMNT gathered in a nondescript sports complex to get ready for their moment.”
“Paraguay may have to play without its biggest talent, the 22-year-old midfielder Julio Enciso, who was stretchered off the field in the first half of his team's final warm-up match last week.”