World Cup
1:00 A.MJune 13, 2026
Group stage – 1
SoFi Stadium
Referee: Danny Makkelie, Netherlands
USA
Paraguay
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1.27
Expected Goals (xG)
0.51
-1.16
Prevented goals
-1.16
Passing by
508 (85%)
Accurate passes
230 (72%)
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Substitutes
18
M
M. Arfsten
23
d
J. Scally
22
d
M. McKenzie
11
M
B. Aaronson
12
d
M. Robinson
F
T. Weah
72′ Replaced by S. Dest
26
F
A. Zendejas
15
M
C. Roldán
19
F
H. Wright
M
S. Berhalter
46′ Replaced by C. PulisicM
G. Reyna
90′
82′ Replaced by M. TillmanF
R. Pepi
72′ Replaced by F. Balogun
6
d
A. Trustworthy
1
G
M. Turner
25
G
C. Brady
trainer
Mauricio Pochettino
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The United States dominated Paraguay 4-1 at SoFi Stadium in a World Cup clash where Folarin Balogun’s clinical finish and an early own goal set the tone for a commanding home win.
The United States entered this World Cup game looking to gain momentum in front of their home crowd. Paraguay arrived at the SoFi Stadium looking to upset the hosts and make a statement at the tournament. The stage was set for an intriguing group stage encounter on June 13, 2026.
The USA struck within seconds of the opening whistle. Defender DarÃo Bobadilla deflected the ball into his own net in the 7th minute, giving the home team an early lead. The own goal set an uncomfortable tone for Paraguay’s defensive setup.
Folarin Balogun doubled the lead in the 31st minute with a composed finish. The forward found space in the penalty area and calmly converted his chance. Balogun’s movement and positioning proved too much for Paraguay’s back line.
Just before the break, Balogun struck again. In the 45th minute, the striker added his second goal of the match. The United States headed into halftime with a huge 3-0 lead, controlling 65 percent possession and limiting Paraguay to just one shot on goal.
The second half started with Paraguay determined to reduce the disadvantage. However, the US defense held firm in the early stages. The home side managed the game smartly, keeping possession and frustrating their opponents.
Paraguay got a consolation goal in the 73rd minute when Mauricio fired past the American goalkeeper. The goal gave the visitors a brief boost, but it came too late to threaten the result. The US maintained firm control despite the deficit.
Giovanni Reyna secured victory in the 90th minute with a fourth goal. The substitute made an immediate impact, firing into the net to cap off a dominant performance. USA’s offensive prowess was decisive throughout the ninety minutes.
The statistics told the story of US superiority. The hosts registered a total of 16 shots with 6 on target, compared to Paraguay’s 9 shots with just 1 on target. USA’s Expected Goals (xG) of 1.27 beat Paraguay’s 0.51, reflecting the quality of chances created.
Balogun’s performance earned him a 9.2 rating after 72 minutes on the pitch. The forward completed his brace with a clinical finish, showing why he proved crucial to the USA attack. Midfielder Malik Tillman contributed two key assists and a 7.5 rating.
The U.S. midfield controlled proceedings with 596 passes completed with 85 percent accuracy. Paraguay struggled to create rhythm, managing just 320 passes with 72 percent accuracy. The dominance of possession reflected the tactical control and superior execution of the US.
This impressive victory puts the USA in their World Cup group. The four-goal margin demonstrated offensive quality and defensive solidity. Paraguay face a tough road after this heavy defeat at the SoFi Stadium.
