USA Dominates Paraguay with 3-0 Lead in First Half of World Cup Match

The United States men’s national soccer team concluded the first half of their match against Paraguay with a commanding 3-0 lead at the Los Angeles Stadium, as part of the opening round of the 2026 World Cup group stage.

The scoring opened in the seventh minute when Paraguay’s Damían Bobadilla inadvertently redirected a dangerous cross into his own net, giving the U.S. an early advantage.

Shortly after, in the 31st minute, U.S. forward Folarin Balogun doubled the lead with a precise shot from inside the penalty area that found its way past the Paraguayan goalkeeper.

As the first half drew to a close, Balogun struck again in stoppage time, netting his second goal with a powerful left-footed shot that sealed a dominant first half for the Americans.

The match kicked off on Saturday morning at 4 AM local time in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, and 5 AM in the UAE. The tournament began last Thursday and is set to conclude on July 19, featuring participation from 48 teams across various continents.

USA’s Starting Lineup Against Paraguay

Goalkeeper: Freese.

Defense: Freeman, Richards, Ryan, Dest, Robinson.

Midfield: Adams, McKennie, Tillman.

Forward: Pulisic, Balogun.

Paraguay’s Starting Lineup Against USA

Goalkeeper: Gill.

Defense: Cáceres Gómez, Alderete, Alonso.

Midfield: Diego, Cubas, Bobadilla.

Forward: Almirón, Sanabria, Enciso.

The draw for the World Cup placed Paraguay in Group D alongside teams from the USA, Australia, and Turkey.