For football fans in Britain, this was more than another late-night World Cup opener: it was the first real look at whether the United States can turn home advantage into a serious run. The USA led Paraguay 1-0 in the first half at Los Angeles Stadium after Damián Bobadilla diverted the ball into his own net in the seventh minute. Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie were central to the move, and Folarin Balogun later had a second ruled out for offside.
Context & Background
The match opened the USA's World Cup campaign as one of the tournament's co-hosts, with the game staged at Los Angeles Stadium in Los Angeles. Al Jazeera reported that kick-off was scheduled for 6pm local time, which was 01:00 GMT, making it a late watch for UK audiences following the tournament's opening days.
The occasion carried weight because the United States is hosting a men's World Cup for the first time in 32 years. The Washington Post, carrying AP reporting, described a jubilant Southern California crowd arriving early to back an American side led by Christian Pulisic and an experienced core, with the USA ranked No. 17 by FIFA and hoping to win its group.
Paraguay arrived with a clear competitive edge of their own. The Guardian's build-up described Gustavo Alfaro's side as returning to defensive strength and collective intensity, while TNT Sports noted that Paraguay were playing their first World Cup match since the 2010 quarter-finals.
Here's What Happened
The match began with both teams showing early ambition, but the USA settled quickly. In the seventh minute, Pulisic drove into the box, linked with McKennie, and the ball was turned into the Paraguay net by Bobadilla. The Guardian recorded it as USA 1-0 Paraguay, an own goal credited to Bobadilla.
The move mattered because it showed how the USA wanted to attack: fast combinations, overloads in wide areas and Pulisic isolated against Juan José Cáceres. Within minutes, Cáceres was shown a yellow card after Pulisic beat him again, leaving Paraguay with a defensive problem down that flank.
Paraguay briefly tried to regain composure through Miguel Almirón and Julio Enciso, but the USA continued to create the clearer moments. Sergiño Dest almost made it 2-0 after Balogun helped open space on the right, only for Dest's heavy touch to allow goalkeeper Orlando Gill to close down the chance.
After the first hydration break, Balogun did put the ball in the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside. The Athletic said the striker had just got his shoulder ahead of the defender, while The Independent reported that Pulisic was also offside in the build-up. The score stayed at 1-0.
- Hydration break
- A scheduled pause for players to take fluids. CNN reported that every match in this World Cup would feature one in each half.
- Own goal
- A goal credited when a player accidentally puts the ball into their own team's net, as happened with Damián Bobadilla.
- Offside
- A rule that can cancel a goal if an attacking player is ahead of the allowed defensive line when involved in the move.
The Response
The reaction inside SoFi Stadium was immediate. CNN described the response to the opening goal as deafening, with the stadium rocking after Pulisic split defenders and the ball found the net from McKennie's delivery.
Before kick-off, the match had already been framed as a major American sporting moment. CNN reported opening ceremonies featuring Future, Tyla, Lisa and Anitta, while The Guardian and CNN both noted Katy Perry's pre-match performance. The spectacle gave the night the feel of a national showcase as much as a group-stage fixture.
There was also pressure on Pulisic before a ball was kicked. NBC News reported that the 27-year-old AC Milan player is widely viewed as the most talented American player of his generation, and he had spoken about trying to handle the World Cup spotlight.
I think no matter what, wherever you’re playing, in the World Cup there’s pressure.
The Bigger Picture
For British viewers, the match offered an early measure of the USA's level under Mauricio Pochettino and a useful comparison point for the European-based players many Premier League and Serie A followers know well. Pulisic, McKennie, Balogun, Adams and Dest all shaped the opening phase, giving the USA a recognisable core for fans used to tracking club football across Europe.
The early goal also changed Paraguay's tactical task. A team built around defensive strength had to chase the game earlier than planned, creating more room for the USA's attacking players. The Athletic noted that Paraguay had shown resilience in qualifying, including comeback wins at home to Argentina and Venezuela, so the first-half lead did not end the contest.
The moment also carried a historical echo. The Athletic connected Bobadilla's own goal to the USA's previous home World Cup in 1994, when Colombia defender Andrés Escobar scored an own goal against the hosts before Colombia exited in the first round. That comparison is not about blame; it shows how own goals in World Cups can become defining images long after the match ends.
The Road Ahead
The immediate question was whether the USA could turn control into a second goal before Paraguay found a route back. The hosts had possession, chances and a charged home crowd, but the disallowed Balogun finish kept the margin narrow.
For Paraguay, the confirmed task was simpler and harder: contain Pulisic, protect Cáceres after his yellow card, and give Almirón and Enciso enough possession to test the American back line.
People Also Ask
What was the score in USA v Paraguay?
The USA led Paraguay 1-0 in the first half. The goal came in the seventh minute when Damián Bobadilla turned the ball into his own net after attacking work involving Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie.
Who scored the first goal in USA v Paraguay?
The first goal was credited as an own goal by Paraguay midfielder Damián Bobadilla. Pulisic created the danger and McKennie's ball across the goal forced the decisive touch.
Why was Folarin Balogun's goal disallowed?
Balogun finished well after the hydration break, but the goal was ruled out for offside. The Athletic reported that Balogun's shoulder was ahead of the defender, while The Independent said Pulisic was also offside in the build-up.
Where was USA v Paraguay played?
The match was played at Los Angeles Stadium, also referred to in reports as SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, near Los Angeles. It was the USA's opening match of the 2026 World Cup.
Who performed before USA v Paraguay?
CNN reported that Future, Tyla, Lisa and Anitta headlined celebrations in the US ahead of the match. The Guardian and CNN also reported that Katy Perry performed before kick-off.