USA Take the Lead Against Paraguay in World Cup 2026 Opener. In the opening Group D match of the World Cup, the USA took the lead over Paraguay thanks to an own goal. The game is underway in California, with the Americans controlling both possession and tempo. The atmosphere in the stands is tense.
The US national team began their journey at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with confidence, opening the score against Paraguay as early as the seventh minute. At SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, the Americans gained the advantage thanks to an own goal by Damián Bobadilla. This moment immediately changed the course of the match and sparked an intense reaction in the stands—fans chanted 'USA! USA!' and the atmosphere grew increasingly tense.
From the opening minutes, Team USA took control of the ball and the pace of the game. By the 20th minute, the Americans held 69.5% possession, not allowing Paraguay to develop their attacks. The spotlight was on Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie, who set the rhythm and created chances near the opponent's goal. The Paraguayans tried to respond with aggressive play: in the 10th minute, Dutch referee Danny Makkelie issued the first yellow card for a foul on Pulisic.
Under the guidance of Mauricio Pochettino, the US coaching staff opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on control and swift transitions to attack. Paraguay, led by Gustavo Alfaro, took the field in a 4-4-2 formation, but so far have been unable to assert themselves in midfield. The match continues, but it's already apparent that the Americans are playing with greater confidence and more frequently creating threats in dangerous areas.
Interest in the start of the World Cup in the USA is high not only because of the sporting intrigue, but also due to the country's large-scale preparations for the tournament. In this context, it's worth noting that broadcasts of all 2026 World Cup matches have become available to Spanish viewers on a single platform — DAZN offered a full package for a fixed price, which made it easier for fans to access the tournament.
For reference: SoFi Stadium is one of the largest and most modern stadiums in the United States, seating over 70,000 spectators. The 2026 World Cup is being held for the first time across three countries — the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In Group D, in addition to the USA and Paraguay, there are two other national teams. The outcome of this match could affect the balance of power in the group and the teams' chances of advancing to the playoffs.
