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This World Cup has already created some headlines, and the USA added to it with a sparkling 4-1 drubbing of Paraguay.
The refreshing brand of football on show will provide plenty of intrigue over the coming weeks as we get deeper into the tournament.
For now, and on behalf of Ali Harb, Hafsa Adil and Kevin Hand, this is Rohan Sharma signing off.
Kicking off in style ✨#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/7UYKWShmLP
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 13, 2026
Al Jazeera’s comprehensive FIFA World Cup 2026 coverage continues tomorrow, and do we have a mouth-watering prospect for you.
Heavyweights Brazil take on World Cup 2022 semifinalists, Morocco, in what should hopefully be a high-octane encounter.
Our live coverage is set to begin at 19:00 GMT, so make sure to tune in.
Amanhã começa a jornada da Seleção Brasileira na Copa do Mundo 2026.
Que bata forte no peito a paixão de milhões.
⏰ 19h (de Brasília)#BateNoPeito
ISSO É BRASIL! 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/R81ouvLKm8
— brasil (@CBF_Futebol) June 12, 2026
83 – Chris Richards completed all 83 passes he attempted for the #USMNT against Paraguay, the most passes with a 100 percent accuracy rate by any player in a FIFA World Cup match since 1966.
Perfection. pic.twitter.com/kTD2kmrrPa
— OptaJack⚽️ (@OptaJack) June 13, 2026
🇺🇸 United States 4-1 Paraguay 🇵🇾
The U.S. scored five goals at the 2002 tournament for their top output at a single World Cup. Decent start toward topping that. pic.twitter.com/jWwGm3ctTK
— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) June 13, 2026
The United States were in sync in the attack to the tune of completing 76.5% (78/102) of their passes ending in the final third for the best first-half mark so far in the tournament. No other team has completed more than 50 such passes. pic.twitter.com/xIMQfes1TW
— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) June 13, 2026
USA forward Folarin Balogun, who scored a brace, spoke with the official FIFA broadcaster: “It is a fantastic day. Happy with the three points. It is my first World Cup. To start with two goals – I am very happy.
“It is amazing. We needed the fans to support us and be the extra man. Today there were.
“Just have to rest and recover and look forward to the next game in a week’s time. Want to make sure we are ready for that.”
Christian Pulisic was interviewed by the official FIFA broadcaster after the match: “Feels incredible. It is a great start. The guys came out with such good energy. We deserved the win.
On the home support: “It was amazing. The fans carried us through. The excitement around the tournament. It means so much to us.
“It is just the start of a long journey. We have a long way to go. It is a great start, but we got to keep pushing.”
Click here to read our match report following USA’s win.
USA manager Mauricio Pochettino caught up with the official FIFA broadcaster after the match: “So proud [of the team]. The players, the staff deserve so much credit.
“It is only the start. It is only one game. The intention is to keep going in that direction. The first 45 minutes were amazing.
“The first game is always difficult, with expectations and [it] being a World Cup, but they responded to it in a massive way. Difficult to find a team that plays like this.
“[Christina] Pulisic received a kick to his calf at the end of the first half. He started to feel it getting tight. We didn’t want to take any risks. Hope it is not a big issue, and that he is ready for the next one.”
On the crowd: “That is what we were waiting for. When you talk about America – the passion, the feeling. Today they were amazing. They realise how massive soccer is.”
Not many would have imagined this outcome when the referee blew the whistle. The USA played with an energy and sharpness matching the occasion, effectively running circles around a hapless and unorganised Paraguay.
A slice of bad luck opened up the floodgates with Bobadilla’s own goal, but Balogun then struck twice within 20 minutes to put the match beyond the South Americans.
Paraguay had their moment, courtesy of Mauricio’s 73rd minute. But Reyna brought the house down, delivering a brilliant piece of skill to end the match in style.
Los Angeles Stadium provides some fireworks of its own as the referee ends the match after that brilliant effort from Reyna!
Full-time: USA 4-1 Paraguay
Now that is how you finish a match! USA score an unprecedented fourth goal in a single World Cup match.
Reyna, who did it all alone, thumps a brilliant right-footed trivela past a diving Gill, with the ball nestling into the right side of goal.
USA score with the final kick off the first half, and they do it again with the final kick off the second.
90+8 mins USA 4-1 Paraguay
Full-time
Second Half ends, USA 4, Paraguay 1.
It is from deep on the left flank, near the byline.
Berhalter tries to cook up something, but Paraguay are able to win back the ball before the USA regain possession once more.
Not much time left now, and the Los Angeles Stadium knows it well.
90+7 mins: USA 3-1 Paraguay
Goal: G. Reyna | Assist: A. Freeman
Goal! USA 4, Paraguay 1. Giovanni Reyna (USA) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Alex Freeman.
At 38 years old, USA captain Tim Ream delivers a game to remember.
The centre back has been instrumental in blunting Paraguay’s attack with his no-nonsense defending and aerial dominance.
The former Fulham fullback may not have the star power of the likes of Pulisic and McKennie, but he is equally crucial for this USA side.
It is from about 40 metres out on the left side.
The ball is played back by Reyna, as the USA work the ball around in an attempt to run the clock.
90+6 mins: USA 3-1 Paraguay
The hosts continue to show positivity as they work the flanks.
90+4 mins: USA 3-1 Paraguay
Can either side squeeze one more goal out of this match?
90+2 mins: USA 3-1 Paraguay
After racing out to get to a ball, the keeper mis-hits his clearance.
The ball falls for the USA, as Berhalter tries to chip the keeper, but his attempt ends up getting more height than distance.
Gill waits for it before rising to catch it in the air.
90 mins: USA 3-1 Paraguay
