Portugal struggles in World Cup opener; USMNT shines against Paraguay
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 18, 2026, 12:01 PM
Last updated Jun 18, 2026
The 2026 World Cup commenced with mixed performances from top teams. The USMNT defeated Paraguay 4-1, showcasing a strong start with Folarin Balogun as a standout player. Conversely, Portugal managed only a draw against DR Congo, raising concerns about their competitiveness. Spain also faced challenges, ending their opener in a 0-0 draw against Cape Verde. As the tournament progresses, the emphasis remains on how teams will adapt in ensuing matches.
- •USMNT crushes Paraguay 4-1 in World Cup opener
- •Portugal draws DR Congo, failing to impress
- •Spain's opener ends in disappointing 0-0 draw
- •Folarin Balogun shines for the USMNT
- •Tournament continues with 80 more matches ahead
- 12:01 PMYahoo Sports — Five biggest overreactions to 2026 World Cup: Portugal will right ship, USMNT to dominate knockout stage and more
"Hyperbole has run amok in the days following the start of the 2026 World Cup. The Sporting News attempts to separate fact from fiction from the opening set of games.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
Boxing•Sep 23, 2026, 2:57 AMWBO orders Janibek Alimkhanuly vs Jacob Bank, Denzel Bentley vs Yoenli Hernandez purse bid- Boxing•Sep 22, 2026, 10:51 PMJared Anderson ready to return and names his targets: ‘I’m ready to fight right now’
Boxing•Sep 22, 2026, 8:11 PMWBA orders Teofimo Lopez vs Jack Catterall and Jaime Munguia vs Bektemir Melikuziev- Boxing•Sep 22, 2026, 6:23 PMTeofimo Lopez ordered to defend WBA title against Jack Catterall, potentially halting Ryan Garcia talks
Boxing•Sep 22, 2026, 9:35 AMTyson Fury Sends Brutal Anthony Joshua Warning as Fight Talks Hit Another Low
Boxing•Sep 22, 2026, 6:09 AMHenry Cejudo Has Gone From Fighting Deen The Great To Facing A 20-Year-Old TV Star
