USMNT opens World Cup with emotional 4-1 win over Paraguay

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Jun 13, 2026, 10:51 PM

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

USMNT opens World Cup with emotional 4-1 win over Paraguay
Summary

The United States launched its 2026 World Cup campaign with a commanding 4-1 victory against Paraguay. The match saw an early own goal from Damián Bobadilla, followed by two goals from Balogun before halftime, and a final goal from Reyna in stoppage time. Pundits Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, covering the tournament for Fox Sports, expressed emotional reactions to the atmosphere, highlighting the significance of the national anthem and the fans. The USMNT is set to face Turkey next in Group D, where a win would virtually secure their place in the knockout stage.

Source Links
By the Numbers
  • USA scores first with an own goal from Damián Bobadilla.
  • Balogun nets two goals before halftime.
  • Reyna adds a fourth goal in stoppage time.
  • Henry and Ibrahimovic share emotional reflections on the match.
  • Next match for USMNT is against Turkey in Group D.
Latest Updates
  • 10:51 PMYahoo SportsThierry Henry and Ibrahimovic recall ‘outstanding’ USMNT vs Paraguay moment that made them emotional
What they're saying
"

The United States opened their 2026 World Cup campaign in historic fashion, breaking multiple records with a 4-1 win over Paraguay, but it was something on the sidelines that made Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimovic emotional. The duo are working alongside Alexi Lalas on Fox Sports throughout the World Cup and they finally realised how much this tournament means to American soccer fans before a ball was even kicked.

Related Teams & Leagues

Sources

External links

Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.

Related Stories

Last 14 days