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Wild Paraguay blunder puts USMNT up 1-0 in Los Angeles to start World Cup journey
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- Wild Paraguay blunder puts USMNT up 1-0 in Los Angeles to start World Cup journey
Wild Paraguay blunder puts USMNT up 1-0 in Los Angeles to start World Cup journey appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The USMNT scored their first goal in the 2026 FIFA World Cup . They even got major assistance from Paraguay to pull it off on Friday night.
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The U.S. enter the tournament with heavy expectations. Hosting the World Cup for the first time since 1994, the Americans seek to make a deep run for their best results in the modern era.
Christian Pulisic is at the heart of the team's offense, leading them with goals and assists to make the attack explosive. And thanks to his efforts, he created the team's first goal of the tournament.
The highlight took place within the first 10 minutes of the match. Pulisic pulled off some incredible dribbles to speed past defenders as he passed the ball to Weston McKennie for the shot. Even though McKennie's shot wasn't on target, Paraguayan defender Damian Bobadilla accidentally hit the ball as it went straight into the goal. This allowed the USMNT to get on the board first to open the scoring.
How USMNT played 1st half against Paraguay
Christian Pulisic and the USMNT are not holding back, torching the Paraguay defense as the hosts boast a 3-0 lead at halftime.
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Following the own goal, Pulisic created another goal as it was the U.S.'s score this time around. He provided a perfect pass to Folarin Balogun , who slotted it home to make the score 2-0. Then right before halftime arrives, Balogun scored a banger of a goal as he fired the shot to the top left corner to give the Americans the dominant lead after the first 45 minutes.
The U.S. have been assertive on the attack all half, keeping opposing defenders on their heels while tiring them out in the process. Their defense has been strong as well, disrupting any passing momentum that Paraguay has in mind.
Following this match, the USMNT prepares for Matchday 2 of the tournament. Their next opponent is Australia as that game takes place on June 19 at 3 p.m. ET.
Related: World Cup 2026 Daily Guide 6/13/26: Brazil-Morocco a Group Stage highlight
Related: Belgium vs. Egypt 2026 World Cup predictions, odds, pick
