Five key takeaways from USA's 4-1 win over Paraguay in FIFA World Cup 2026
Take a look at the major points from the USA vs Paraguay game.
USA secured a convincing win in their opening group stage game against Paraguay. They secured three points, becoming the first team from Group D to win their game. Their full-fledged attack was on display.
It took them less than seven minutes to find the back of the net through an own goal. The host nation continued their brilliant assault in the first half and further increased their tally with Folarin Balogun netting a brace to put his side in a comfortable position.
Giovanni Reyna added the fourth goal to put the game to bed. However, Paraguay managed to score a consolation goal as the game concluded in the US’s favour.
5 key takeaways from the USA vs Paraguay match at the FIFA World Cup 2026
5. Folarin Balogun scores first brace of the 2026 tournament
The United States led 4-1 over Paraguay in their FIFA World Cup Group D encounter at Los Angeles Stadium.
After establishing a quick advantage through a seventh-minute own goal by Paraguay’s Damián Bobadilla, the Americans extended their lead in the 31st minute through Folarin Balogun.
Before halftime, they added a third goal. Balogun was once more on the scoresheet and registered the competition’s first brace.
4. Tim Ream becomes the oldest USA player at the World Cup
Tim Ream created history during the 2026 World Cup.
When the United States skipper entered the pitch against Paraguay, he became the oldest American man to play in a World Cup, at 38 years and 250 days.
Ream broke the mark formerly held by defender Fernando Clavijo, who was 38 years and 162 days old when he competed for the USMNT in the 1994 World Cup. That was also the last time the event was held on American soil.
3. USA first team to score four goals at the 2026 World Cup
USA were the first team to score four goals in the second matchday of the World Cup. Before their match, the last three games ended with a 2-0 or 2-1 scoreline. However, the USA weren’t shy of demonstrating their attacking potency against Paraguay.
They secured their win with a 4-1 scoreline.
2. First own goal of the 2026 World Cup
Damián Bobadilla of Paraguay set an unfortunate record by scoring the first own goal of the FIFA World Cup 2026 during Saturday’s Group D match against the United States at the Sofi Stadium in California.
The centre midfielder accidentally booted the ball into his own goal. It helped put the co-host ahead from the six-yard box.
1. USA scored their third fastest goal at the World Cup
Damián Bobadilla’s own goal in the seventh minute gave the United States an early lead in their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium. This swift start is their third-fastest goal in World Cup history.
Meanwhile, the fastest had come in the 2014 World Cup. Clint Dempsey scored a goal in 34 seconds against Ghana.
What was the major highlight of the game?
USA scored in just seven minutes of the game.
Who took the lead first?
The host nation.
What was the final scoreline?
USA 4-1 Paraguay.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.