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.

Stars, Stakes and Home Soil

The USMNT's Moment Has Arrived

The wait is finally over. After years of buildup, debate and anticipation, the United States men's national team opens its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign Friday night against Paraguay in Los Angeles, and the mood around the squad couldn't be more electric.

Winger Tim Weah captured the feeling best when he spoke to reporters this week at the team's Orange County base camp. "Being on home soil is a dream come true," he said. "If we can do the job that we want to do, we make history."

That history-making ambition is backed by genuine talent. Christian Pulisic, the AC Milan attacking midfielder and team talisman, enters the tournament as the fastest American ever to reach 50 goal contributions for the national side. Folarin Balogun arrives from Monaco on the back of a scorching club season, with 11 goals in 14 games, and figures to be the clinical striker the U.S. has long lacked. Meanwhile, a glimpse of the team's attacking ceiling came in the June 6 friendly against Germany at Chicago's Soldier Field, where Antonee Robinson's thunderous finish had 63,000 fans roaring despite a 2-1 defeat.

Defensive health is the key question mark. Chris Richards, the team's linchpin center back, has been working around the clock to recover from an ankle injury and indicated this week he's ready to go—a massive potential boost for a back line that will need to be sharp against a Paraguay side not to be underestimated.

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino has preached clarity of purpose throughout the buildup. The group is experienced, European-tested, and hungry. The stage is set, the crowds are ready, and for this USMNT squad, the time for talking is done.

Defensive Concerns Loom Large

The USMNT is Dealing With a Leaky Defense Heading into the World Cup

The U.S. has now conceded 11 goals in four matches this year, and the back line that will be asked to carry this team deep into a home World Cup remains its most unsettling question mark.

Both goals against Germany illustrated the problem. Kai Havertz's second-minute header came from a free kick in which he was left completely uncovered, catching Matthew Freese flat-footed on his line. The second, just before the hour mark, saw Havertz slip a pass into a seam between Tim Ream and Miles Robinson, where Leroy Sané finished calmly beyond Freese's diving reach.

"There were times where you can see the eagerness in the team to go and press," Antonee Robinson acknowledged, "and at times we were a little bit disjointed in how we pressed. That's what good teams like Germany want you to do."

Compounding matters is the uncertain status of Chris Richards, who tore two ankle ligaments late in the Premier League season and sat out Saturday. Ream called him "a commanding center back and someone who's been relied on heavily over the past 18 months," and his absence, even temporarily, exposes just how thin the margin for error is defensively.

The U.S. also hasn't kept a clean sheet in eight matches. Against Paraguay, Australia, and Türkiye, they won't face Germany-level firepower. But they'll need to be better. Their World Cup run depends on it.

Robinson's Stunning Volley

Defender's Splendid Goal a Sign of Things to Come

If Antonee Robinson scores a goal like that when the World Cup begins, it'll be one of the moments of the tournament.

Robinson's 37th-minute equalizer against Germany on Saturday—a first-time volley he collected outside the box after a German clearance off a Christian Pulisic corner, then absolutely launched past Oliver Baumann—was the kind of individual moment that stops you cold. His former Fulham teammate Tim Ream admitted he was watching in disbelief from close range. "I had whiplash watching it go past everybody," Ream said.

For Robinson personally, it carried extra weight. He battled through a difficult knee injury this season, one whose recovery "didn't go as smoothly as I hoped," he said back in March upon returning to the national team fold after 16 months away. There were dark stretches. "Earlier in the season, I felt like I couldn't really see the light at the end of the tunnel," he admitted Saturday.

He sees it now. Robinson is one of the most important pieces of Pochettino's system — an unquestioned starter whose attacking runs and ball progression are central to how the U.S. functions going forward.

"Going into a World Cup, it means a lot," Robinson said of the goal. "A bit of freedom to shoot again if I'm in that position."

Friday can't come soon enough.