The United States men's national team kicked off their 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The win gives the co-hosts a perfect start in Group A, setting a positive tone for their tournament on home soil.
It marks a successful debut for manager Mauricio Pochettino in World Cup competition after he took charge of the squad in 2024. The American side, currently ranked 17th in the FIFA world rankings, displayed attacking intent from the outset against the South American opponents.
Who scored for the United States?
The U.S. Attack was led by its core of experienced players. Christian Pulisic, making his second World Cup appearance, is a central figure for this team. The AC Milan winger has now scored 33 international goals, placing him fifth on the all-time U.S. Men's scoring list. Landon Donovan believes this tournament represents a defining opportunity for Pulisic's legacy. "It's almost everything," Donovan said when asked about Pulisic's legacy being on the line.
He was joined by several veterans from the 2022 World Cup squad, including Tim Weah, Gio Reyna, and goalkeeper Matt Turner. Defender Tim Ream and midfielder Cristian Roldan also returned, providing a blend of youth and tournament experience. This continuity from Qatar has been important for the team's cohesion.
What did manager Gregg Berhalter say?
Former manager Gregg Berhalter, who led the team through qualification before Pochettino's appointment, recently expressed pride in the squad's development. He told reporters he was proud of how the members of the U.S. Squad have grown "personally and professionally" and holds high hopes for their success. Berhalter also summed up the American sporting mentality succinctly. "We're American, we want to see winners," he said.
The current coaching staff, led by Pochettino, will be pleased with the immediate response and the four-goal haul. The team's full schedule for the group stage is available on our fixtures page.
What is next for the USMNT?
The victory sets up a important match against Australia this Friday, June 19. That game will be played at Lumen Field in Seattle, shifting the tournament to the Pacific Northwest. Following that, the Americans return to Southern California to face Turkey on Thursday, June 25, back at SoFi Stadium.
Securing three points early reduces pressure for the subsequent matches and allows the team to build momentum. The U.S. Is co-hosting the expanded 2026 World Cup alongside neighbors Canada and Mexico, a first for the tournament. You can track the team's progress and the latest Group A standings as the action continues.
With the opening match now in the books, the focus shifts entirely to preparation for Australia. The U.S. Men's national team will train in Seattle ahead of their Friday night fixture, looking to build on their strong start.
