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USMNT break World Cup record as they obliterate Paraguay at SoFi Stadium
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- USMNT break World Cup record as they obliterate Paraguay at SoFi Stadium
Photo by John Dorton/USSF/Getty Images
The United States made history at SoFi Stadium by scoring four goals in a World Cup match for the first time, dismantling Paraguay 4-1 in its Group D opener.
This was the kind of opening night the USMNT needed at a home World Cup. The performance had energy, speed, confidence, and a scoreline that immediately changed the mood around Mauricio Pochettino's team.
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Paraguay were not just beaten. They were pulled apart by a U.S. attack that looked sharper than it has at most major tournaments.
Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images
USMNT World Cup scoring record broken in Paraguay rout
The United States had never scored four goals in a men's World Cup game before the 4-1 win over Paraguay at SoFi Stadium.
That is the stat that makes this result bigger than a strong opening win. In Qatar four years ago, the USMNT scored only three goals across the entire tournament.
Against Paraguay, the Americans passed that total in one night.
The breakthrough came early when Damián Bobadilla turned the ball into his own net, giving the hosts the perfect start in front of a loud Los Angeles crowd.
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Folarin Balogun then took over. The striker scored twice in the first half, giving the United States a 3-0 halftime lead and becoming the attacking reference point Pochettino needed.
Paraguay did pull one back through Maurício in the second half, but the game never truly felt balanced again.
Gio Reyna finished the night in stoppage time, ripping in the fourth goal and sealing a record-breaking World Cup result for the USMNT.
USA and Paraguay face very different Group D pressure
The win puts the United States in early control of Group D, especially because goal difference could matter in a 48-team tournament where the top two and the best third-place sides advance.
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USA face Australia next on June 19 at Seattle Stadium, and another win would put Pochettino's side in a strong position before the final group game against Türkiye.
There is still one concern. Christian Pulisic came off after taking a kick to the calf, with the early message being that it was precautionary rather than serious.
Paraguay now have immediate repair work. A 4-1 defeat leaves them with no points and a minus-three goal difference before facing Türkiye on June 19 at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium.
The USA did not just win its opener. It produced a record, a statement, and the kind of attacking performance that can make a home World Cup feel real.
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