U.S. Men’s National Team Wins BIG In First Match Of The 2026 FIFA World Cup, Here Are The Highlights

The U.S. Men’s National Team won their first match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

And it wasn’t even close!

The USMNT defeated Paraguay 4-1 in what many soccer commentators have claimed was the best opening performance by the USMNT in its history.

Here was some highlights:

Christian Pulisic cooked Paraguay's defense to help set up the @USMNT's opening goal 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/xbjPrwlteq

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 13, 2026

He didn't just pick out the corner, he picked out the TOP CORNER 🎯

BALOGUN BAGS A FIRST-HALF BRACE pic.twitter.com/JQVCRkJw7y

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 13, 2026

This goal sealed the deal:

GIOOOOOOOO GOALLLLLLL FOR THE EXCLAMATION POINT pic.twitter.com/tgQihc2GBV

— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) June 13, 2026

Yahoo Sports reported more on the big win:

The United States men’s national team used three first-half goals to open the 2026 World Cup with a flourish on Friday night.

The USMNT beat Paraguay 4-1 for its first multi-goal win in a World Cup game in 24 years. An own goal gave the U.S. a lead in the seventh minute, before striker Folarin Balogun scored twice — including a goal that was the final kick of the first half — to give the U.S. a comfortable lead in one of its most dominating performances ever.

Paraguay was able to claw a goal back in the second half before Gio Reyna scored in the 98th minute for the U.S. to push the lead back to three in the game’s final play.

That Paraguay goal doesn’t matter much for the ultimate outcome, obviously, but it could be huge for the Paraguayans’ goal differential at the end of the group stage. Eight third-place teams across the 12 four-team groups will make the Round of 32.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio was in attendance:

.@SecRubio is LOCKED IN! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/7MneuiOdpI

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 13, 2026

Actor Tom Cruise was also in attendance and was spotted singing the National Anthem:

Confirmed:

Tom Cruise is a patriot. pic.twitter.com/nlkIKOD6DU

— Dr Manhattva (@Manhattva) June 13, 2026

The crowd was electric:

“Americans don’t like soccer, games wont sell out, blah, blah, blah” #usmnt ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/P9M3vyLPal

— Tommy Lorenzo (@sportsbooktom) June 13, 2026

🇺🇸The Americans are ready to rally behind their team.
🎥: @USMNT pic.twitter.com/pJOheACxsG

— Footie Center (@Footie_Center) June 13, 2026

The USMNT next match will be against Australia on June 19th.