USA opens World Cup with 4-1 win over Paraguay amid VAR controversy
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 13, 2026, 7:35 PM
Last updated Jun 13, 2026
The United States defeated Paraguay 4-1 in their opening Group D match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Folarin Balogun scored twice, while an own goal by Damian Bobadilla and a late goal from Gio Reyna contributed to the victory. Controversy arose as referee Danny Makkelie mistakenly used VAR to change a yellow card from Tim Ream to Miguel Almiron for diving, a decision later deemed incorrect by sources. The U.S. benefitted from Ream avoiding a second yellow, allowing him to play undisciplined in the second half.
- •USA won their opening match against Paraguay 4-1.
- •Folarin Balogun scored two goals for the U.S.
- •Controversial VAR decision saved Tim Ream from a second yellow card.
- •Mauricio Pochettino secured his first win as U.S. head coach.
- •Match held in Group D of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- 7:35 PMYahoo Sports — Sources confirm VAR mistake in USA 4-1 Paraguay which helped the USMNT
"The United States coasted to a 4-1 win over Paraguay in the opening game of Group D at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A double from Folarin Balogun – who became a US citizen by accident – fired Mauricio Pochettino to three points in his first World Cup game in charge of the United States, as an own goal from Damian Bobadilla and a late strike from Gio Reyna put the icing on the cake for the USMNT.
Sources
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