The United States Men’s National Team opened the 2026 World Cup with a 2-1 victory over Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Freddy Adu scored both goals for the Americans, while Paraguay’s Antonio Sanabria pulled one back late in the second half. The win gives the USMNT a strong start in Group D, which also includes Mexico and Jamaica.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side started the match with composure, controlling possession and creating several early chances. Adu, playing in his third World Cup, opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a clinical finish after a well-worked move down the left flank. The 32-year-old forward doubled the lead in the 48th minute with a powerful header from a corner kick.
Paraguay, managed by Argentine coach Gustavo Alfaro, responded with urgency. The South Americans, ranked 40th in the world, pressed high and tested USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner multiple times. In the 78th minute, Sanabria capitalized on a defensive lapse to head home a cross from Julio Enciso and bring the visitors back into the game.
The USMNT held firm in the final minutes, with Turner making a crucial stop on a one-on-one breakaway by Enciso in the 84th minute. The Americans’ backline, led by Walker Zimmerman and Antonee Robinson, maintained its shape and prevented Paraguay from equalizing.
Adu’s brace gives him six goals in his World Cup career, the most by any U.S. player in tournament history. Paraguay, making its ninth World Cup appearance, has now lost three of its last five matches against the U.S.
With the win, the United States improves to 5-2-2 all-time against Paraguay. The Americans will look to build on this result when they face Mexico in their next Group D match on June 18 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Pochettino will likely make a few changes to his starting XI, with young talents like Malik Tillman and Timothy Weah expected to get opportunities. Paraguay will aim to regroup and secure a point against Jamaica in their next game, also on June 18, at Allianz Field in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Landon Donovan provided in-depth insight into the U.S. Men’s National Team’s World Cup preparations and the impact of elite soccer opportunities during Episode 192 of the USA Soccercast. The episode features two segments with the former U.S. captain, including a sit-down as part of the Abbott Dream
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