Pochettino’s Stunning World Cup Start

After Months of Tinkering, the USMNT Finally Looked Like It is Fulfilling Its Potential

Mauricio Pochettino's blueprint came together perfectly in the USMNT's 4-1 demolition of Paraguay, with the performance offering the clearest evidence yet of the attacking identity he has worked to build since taking over.

Rather than channeling everything through one outlet, the U.S. attacked from multiple directions, stretching Paraguay both wide and in behind their backline. Christian Pulisic was at the center of it, repeatedly isolating defenders down the left with his speed and dribbling, while also drifting infield to link with Weston McKennie and help the Americans overload central areas. Paraguay right back Juan Caceres had a miserable night trying to contain him, picking up an early yellow card out of sheer desperation.

The dominance wasn't built on individual moments alone. McKennie and Malik Tillman helped create numbers in midfield, while Sergiño Dest, though slower to get going, eventually made his mark with a pair of driving runs that turned defense into attack in an instant. And when Folarin Balogun finished off a defense-splitting ball from Tillman just before halftime, it showed the U.S. could hurt Paraguay through the middle just as easily as out wide.

With Paraguay's Julio Enciso and Antonio Sanabria starved of service and forced into low-quality chances, the U.S. controlled the game's territory and tempo for long stretches. After the first half effectively settled the contest, Pochettino began making changes, pulling Pulisic at the break and later subbing off Balogun and Dest, a sign he was already managing his squad with Australia looming on June 19.

The attacking intent never wavered, though. Even after Paraguay clawed one back, the U.S. carved out another chance late, capped by Gio Reyna's finish. For Pochettino, the result wasn't just three points, it was validation of the system he's been building.

Reyna’s Redemption

Playmaker Scored on a Audacious Attempt, Bringing the 2022 Drama Full Circle

Gio Reyna provided the perfect exclamation point to the USMNT's World Cup opener, and the moment carried meaning well beyond the scoreline.

Entering as an 82nd-minute substitute for Malik Tillman, Reyna needed just 16 minutes to make his mark. With the U.S. already cruising and deep into stoppage time, the team strung together a sweeping move that carried the ball from end to end without a single Paraguayan touch. Alex Freeman slid a pass to Reyna at the edge of the box, and with two touches to set himself up, he curled a trivela, struck with the outside of his right foot, past goalkeeper Orlando Gill and into the far corner. It was his first World Cup goal and the 10th of his international career, and it sent Pochettino sprinting down the touchline to join the celebration.

Reyna marked the occasion by tucking the ball under his jersey and sucking his thumb, the traditional gesture for an expectant father. He revealed afterward that his wife, Chloe, is pregnant with the couple's first child, news he'd been sitting on for a couple of months while waiting for the right moment. He credited Chloe and his parents, former USMNT players Claudio and Danielle, with pushing him to be more aggressive and take more chances when the opportunity arises.

The goal also represented a measure of redemption. Reyna arrived at this tournament as one of Pochettino's more debated selections, having struggled for minutes at his German club and carrying baggage from the drama that overshadowed his role at the 2022 World Cup. Teammates, however, weren't surprised by the quality. Pulisic noted that Reyna shows that kind of skill in training regularly, adding that it was rewarding to see him produce it on the biggest stage.

For Reyna, the explanation was simple: he reacted instinctively, recognized the angle to the far post and let it fly.

Balogun Shines

Forward Scored Twice, Showing Why He Committed to the U.S.

Folarin Balogun delivered the kind of World Cup debut American soccer fans have long dreamed of, scoring twice in the U.S.'s 4-1 demolition of Paraguay to become the first USMNT player with a multi-goal World Cup match since 1930.

Both goals showcased different facets of his game. The first came from a clinical first-time finish off a Pulisic cross, while the second, just before halftime, saw him hold off a defender, cut inside another and curl a shot into the top corner. Pulisic raved about his teammate afterward, saying Balogun is "lethal right now in front of the goal" and praising not just the finishing but his ability to battle center backs and win fouls. When Balogun was substituted in the 71st minute, the crowd gave him a standing ovation.

Balogun's path to this moment has been unconventional. Born in Brooklyn to Nigerian parents, he moved to London within weeks of his birth and grew up entirely in England, becoming a standout in Arsenal's academy and representing England at the under-21 level. He was also eligible for Nigeria. But after struggling to break into Arsenal's first team, loan spells in France revived his career, and in 2023, he made the surprising decision to commit his international future to the United States.

Balogun has said the choice felt natural, calling it a "no-brainer" and describing the support from American fans as a major motivating factor in repaying that faith. His mother reportedly had long hoped he'd choose the U.S., a wish tied to circumstances around his birth in New York.

Since switching, Balogun has scored 11 goals in 28 USMNT appearances. Asked about his expectations heading into the tournament, he admitted that even his imagined debut didn't match what actually happened on the field Friday night.

Pulisic’s Strong First Half

Winger Leads the Americans to Victory With a Splendid First 45 Minutes

Christian Pulisic was the catalyst behind the USMNT's emphatic 4-1 win over Paraguay in its World Cup opener, even though he didn't make it through the full match.

For the 45 minutes he was on the field, Pulisic was a constant problem for Paraguay's defense. He set up the opening goal in the seventh minute, slicing between two defenders before feeding Weston McKennie, whose pass deflected into the net off a Paraguay midfielder. Pulisic then drew a yellow card with a burst of speed, had a setup for Balogun wiped out by an offside call, and finally delivered the assist that counted, driving down the left flank in the 31st minute to tee up Balogun's opening goal.

By halftime, with the U.S. holding a commanding 3-0 lead, coach Mauricio Pochettino opted not to take any chances. Pulisic had been struggling to loosen up his left calf and was unable to properly warm up for the second half, so he was replaced by Sebastian Berhalter. Pochettino said the decision came together quickly, noting it was a late call but that things looked better by the time the substitution was made. He added that Pulisic had taken a kick to the area two days before the match and that the hope is it won't become a bigger issue, with optimism he'll be ready for the next game.

Pulisic downplayed the injury afterward, saying he took a knock early in the match and is hopeful it's nothing serious. He described the move as a precaution, pointed to having dealt with similar situations before, and said he's staying positive that he'll be fine within a few days.

With a full week before the U.S. faces Australia on June 19 in Seattle, there's time for Pulisic's calf to settle. After a performance that showed him at his sharpest, his health will be one of the top storylines heading into the next match.

American Dominate

The U.S. Came Out Firing, Rolling Past Paraguay to Open the World Cup

The United States opened its home World Cup campaign in spectacular fashion, dismantling Paraguay 4-1 at SoFi Stadium in front of 70,492 fans on Friday night, putting on a performance that lived up to the glitz of its Inglewood surroundings.

The breakthrough came early. In the seventh minute, Christian Pulisic split a pair of defenders with a sharp dribble and found Weston McKennie, whose pass deflected off Paraguayan midfielder Damián Bobadilla and rolled into the net for an own goal. It was the kind of fortunate bounce that can go either way early in a match, but the Americans made sure it set the tone rather than becoming a footnote.

From there, Folarin Balogun took over. The Monaco striker, making his World Cup debut, doubled the lead in the 31st minute by finishing off another driving run from Pulisic. Then, with the first half winding down, Malik Tillman sent a long ball forward for Balogun, who shook off a challenge and curled a left-footed strike into the top corner. It marked the first multi-goal performance by a U.S. player at the World Cup since Bert Patenaude's hat trick against Paraguay in 1930.

Pulisic didn't return for the second half, replaced by Sebastian Berhalter, though he appeared to wave off concerns to family members in the stands. Without him, the U.S. attack lost some of its rhythm, and Paraguay capitalized in the 73rd minute when a scrambled clearance led to a goal from substitute Mauricio.

The Americans had the final word, though. Gio Reyna, on as a late substitute, curled a shot with the outside of foot inside the far post in stoppage time for his first World Cup goal, sealing the 4-1 final and sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

The result puts the U.S. atop Group D ahead of its next match against Australia on June 19 in Seattle.

Roster Recap

Each Player Described in 10 Words or Less

#1 Matt Turner — Veteran presence, reliable shot-stopper, strong in the air.

#2 Sergiño Dest — Versatile, attack-minded wing-back with European pedigree.

#3 Chris Richards — Defensive anchor, U.S. Soccer's 2025 male player of the year.

#4 Tyler Adams — Defensive engine, tenacious ball-winner, former Qatar captain.

#5 Antonee Robinson — Explosive left wing-back, capable of stunning attacking moments.

#6 Auston Trusty — Celtic's dependable defender, brings physicality and composure.

#7 Gio Reyna — Mercurial talent when healthy, capable of match-winning brilliance.

#8 Weston McKennie — Box-to-box warrior, brings goals and intensity from Juventus.

#9 Ricardo Pepi — Physical PSV striker, proven scorer with a nose for goal.

#10 Christian Pulisic — Captain America, the team's talisman and greatest threat.

#11 Brenden Aaronson — High-energy presser, dangles creativity. Chaos merchant.

#12 Miles Robinson — Aerial threat, competing to start alongside Ream.

#13 Tim Ream — Captain, 38-year-old veteran, composed and excellent in possession.

#14 Sebastian Berhalter — Young midfielder, disciplined and positionally smart. Dead-ball specialist.

#15 Cristian Roldan — Dependable, hardworking option, knows these venues intimately.

#16 Alex Freeman — Young Villarreal defender, athletic and quickly developing.

#17 Malik Tillman — Creative, technically gifted Leverkusen midfielder with big-game experience.

#18 Max Arfsten — Versatile domestic option with surprising attacking output.

#19 Haji Wright — Powerful, unpredictable forward with a knack for big moments.

#20 Folarin Balogun — Clinical Monaco striker, the No. 9 the U.S. has craved.

#21 Timothy Weah — Pacey Marseille winger, son of a legend, danger on the break.

#22 Mark McKenzie — Intelligent center-back, vocal leader with Toulouse experience.

#23 Joe Scally — Young, technically sound right-back based in Germany.

#24 Matt Freese — Likely starter, still proving himself at the international level.

#25 Chris Brady — One-cap youngster, Chicago Fire's rising shot-stopping talent.

#26 Alejandro Zendejas — Club América winger, brings flair and an X-factor option.

U.S. Versus Paraguay: A Soccer History

A Rivalry Forged in 1930: The History Between the USMNT and Paraguay

When the United States and Paraguay kick off Friday night in Los Angeles, it will mark the latest chapter in a rivalry that stretches back nearly a century—one defined by memorable moments, unexpected upsets and a healthy dose of competitive fire.

The story begins at the very first World Cup in 1930, when Bert Patenaude etched his name into the history books by scoring the competition's first-ever hat-trick, lifting the U.S. to a 3-0 group stage victory. It remains one of the most historically significant individual performances in American soccer history.

The two nations wouldn't cross paths again for 67 years. When they finally did, in a 1997 friendly in St. Louis, neither side could find the net in a scoreless draw. A second friendly followed in 1998, this one ending 2-2 with Chad Deering and Marcelo Balboa on the scoresheet for the U.S. Then in 2003, Landon Donovan and Earnie Stewart combined to power a comfortable 2-0 American win.

Paraguay got its revenge in the 2007 Copa América group stage, handing the U.S. a 3-1 defeat—their first loss in the series. They followed it up with a 1-0 friendly win in 2011, briefly flipping the momentum in the rivalry.

But the U.S. has dominated since. Clint Dempsey's lone goal won a 2016 Copa América group-stage meeting; Bobby Wood converted a penalty in a 1-0 victory in 2018; and, most recently, Gio Reyna and Folarin Balogun, both on this World Cup roster, each scored in a 2-1 friendly win last November.

The all-time record stands at 5-2-2 (WDL) in favor of the United States. Friday night, both sides will be eager to add another memorable line to the ledger.

Knowing Paraguay

Paraguay Brings Grit, History and a Point to Prove

Don't let the 41st FIFA ranking fool you. Paraguay arrives at the 2026 World Cup as a team built for exactly this kind of moment, and the United States would be wise not to underestimate them.

La Albirroja are making their first World Cup appearance since 2010, when they reached the quarterfinals, which is the best run in the nation's history. That tournament showcased everything Paraguay is about: defensive solidarity, collective effort, and an almost stubborn refusal to be outworked. Under head coach Gustavo Alfaro, a 63-year-old Argentine who took over after the 2024 Copa América and immediately revived a struggling program, that identity is very much intact.

Alfaro guided Paraguay through a competitive qualifying campaign, highlighted by a stunning upset of world champions Argentina, to finish sixth in CONMEBOL and book their ticket to North America. Their World Cup preparation closed with a convincing 4-0 win over Nicaragua, though it came at a cost: creative midfielder Julio Enciso exited with a thigh injury, and his availability for Friday remains in doubt.

Enciso's absence would be significant. The 22-year-old RC Strasbourg forward is Paraguay's most dangerous creative force, capable of producing moments that change matches. Should he miss out, the burden shifts to 23-year-old Brighton midfielder Diego Gómez and Brazilian-born newcomer Maurício of Palmeiras, who has slotted smoothly into the setup. Atlanta United's Miguel Almirón adds pace and experience on the wing.

Historically, the U.S. holds the upper hand, owning a 5-2-2 all-time record against Paraguay, including a 2-1 friendly win last November. But Paraguay's grit is precisely what makes them dangerous in competitive environments, and this couldn't be more competitive.

The Dreamer from Murphy

Manager Pochettino Embraces the Weight of the Moment

There's a certain poetic symmetry to Mauricio Pochettino's current situation. A boy who fell in love with the World Cup watching Argentina lift the trophy in 1978 now stands on the other side of the dugout—not as a player or a fan, but as the head coach of a co-hosting nation with genuine aspirations of doing the same.

That phrase, "why not", has become something of a mantra. When President Trump asked whether the U.S. could win the tournament, Pochettino didn't hesitate. "First, because I believe it," he said. "And second, because when the biggest representative of a country asks… if the coach wavers, I'd kick him out."

The belief is genuine, but so is the nuance. Pochettino has spent his tenure trying to rewire a cultural mindset, teaching a group of players the difference between playing and competing, between participating and refusing to lose. His record with the national team stands at 15 wins, 10 losses and a draw heading into Friday.

He's also been deliberate about shielding his players from outside noise, including the politically charged atmosphere surrounding this tournament. His job, as he sees it, is singular: prepare a team to win football matches.

The lineup for the Paraguay opener remains a closely guarded secret. His players admitted this week there's been little clarity about who starts. For Pochettino, that's entirely by design. The dreamer from Murphy still has a few cards left to play.

Richards Ready

USMNT's Defensive Anchor Cleared for Paraguay Opener

For the United States men's national team, Friday night's World Cup opener against Paraguay just got a lot more promising.

Chris Richards, the defensive cornerstone of Mauricio Pochettino's squad, has declared himself fit and available after a troubling ankle injury threatened to sideline him for the tournament's opening match. The 26-year-old center back participated in a full training session earlier this week, which was the first time all 26 players were on the field together since camp began in May, and left little doubt about his intentions.

"When I first came out with the injury, I was pretty devastated," Richards said. "But I kind of forced myself back on the pitch to prove to myself that it was doable. Once I found out the diagnosis, it was, alright, how do I get ready for this game against Paraguay?"

The stakes of his availability can't be overstated. Richards is U.S. Soccer's reigning male player of the year, a distinction that reflects both his peers' respect and his rapid rise to becoming one of the Premier League's most well-rounded center backs. This past club season, he helped Crystal Palace claim the UEFA Conference League title, playing nearly every minute of the run until the final, before the ankle injury cut short his participation in the final stretch.

His skill set is tailor-made for Pochettino's system. Comfortable in a back three, adept at both front-foot and back-foot defending, and composed with the ball at his feet, Richards is far more than just a physical presence. He organizes the defensive line and can match up against a variety of striker types.

The final call belongs to Pochettino, but with Richards apparently healthy, the decision may already be made.