USA 4-1 Paraguay
Goals: 1-0 Bobadilla (o.g.) 7’, 2-0 Balogun 31’ (assist: Pulišić), 3-0 Balogun 45’+5 (assist: Adams), 3-1 Maurício 73’ (assist: Enciso), 4-1 Reyna 90’+8 (assist: Freeman)
The USA kicked off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign at a sold-out Los Angeles Stadium, hosting Paraguay in Group D. Around 70,000 fans packed the venue for the occasion, which was preceded by a spectacular opening ceremony featuring performances from the likes of Katy Perry, Future and Tyla.
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino named an attack-minded starting XI, with star man Christian Pulišić in midfield alongside Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Malik Tillman.
Former Bayern Munich and Hoffenheim defender Chris Richards, who had been out of action for around a month with an injury, was passed fit to start. For Paraguay, star attacker Julio Enciso was declared fit despite a knock sustained in their final pre-tournament friendly.
