USA make World Cup statement in Paraguay demolition
(Reuters)
(Reuters)
(Getty)
Will Castle13 June 2026 04:12
The USA secured the perfect start to their World Cup 2026 campaign against a poor Paraguay side with Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun integral for the impressive hosts.
The intense pace set by Mauricio Pochettino’s side caused havoc for the South Americans, with an Damian Bobadilla own-goal handing the hosts the lead. And the second soon followed, with Pulisic racing away down the left and cutting back to Balogun, who made no mistake with a clinical finish. The Monaco striker then hammered home a third to complete a remarkable first-half performance.
Pulisic would come off at the break, with doubts over the reasons behind Pochettino’s decision, and Paraguay’s Mauricio pulled a goal back in the second half to spark hopes of a famous comeback. But Gio Reyna ensured the hosts ended the match on a high, beautifully bending in with the outside of his foot to add the USA’s fourth with the last kick of the game.
(Reuters)
Will Castle13 June 2026 04:08
There goes the final whistle!
An incredible performance from the hosts.
(AP)
Will Castle13 June 2026 04:05
GOAL! USA 4-1 Paraguay (Reyna, 90+8′)
THE PERFECT END TO THE PERFECT BEGINNING!
A stunning trivela finish from Gio Reyna takes the US over the four-goal barrier, the first time they’ve achieved the feat in a World Cup match in their history.
Will Castle13 June 2026 04:03
90+7 mins: The Americans are ending with a flurry. McKennie comes down the left and tries to find Pepi as they look for a fourth, but Alderete is there to head out for a throw.
Will Castle13 June 2026 04:00
90+6 mins: The US are nearly there…
Will Castle13 June 2026 04:00
90+3 mins: Paraguay frantically defending once again as Robinson tries the cut-back, desperately trying to clear.
They eventually get it into the opposition half but as the US try and come again, Adams has his shirt pulled by Alonso. He enters the book.
Will Castle13 June 2026 03:58
90+1 mins: Seven minutes added on.
Will Castle13 June 2026 03:56
90 mins: Berhalter saw his name in lights as the ball fell to his feet with Paraguay’s keeper well off his line, but he doesn’t catch it right and can’t score the spectacular lob.
Will Castle13 June 2026 03:55
88 mins: CHANCE! Pepi will be kicking himself!
He has it put on a plate for him from the pullback but the US substitute leans back and blazes it over the bar.
Balogun will have watched that from the bench feeling if he was still on, he would’ve converted that for his hat-trick.
Will Castle13 June 2026 03:54