INGLEWOOD, Calif. – In an assertive showcase at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the U.S. men's national team commanded the pitch with a decisive 4-1 victory over Paraguay during a Group Stage match held on June 12 at Los Angeles Stadium. 

The match opened with an early own goal by Paraguay's Damián Bobadilla at the seventh minute, setting the tone for USA’s dominance. Striker Folarin Balogun, undeterred by a disallowed goal at the 28th minute due to an offside call, soon found the net twice in quick succession at the 31st and 45th minutes, establishing the American's commanding lead.

Paraguay's Mauricio briefly rekindled hope with a goal in the 73rd minute, but Gio Reyna extinguished any comeback aspirations by sealing the match with an impressive strike in the 90th minute.

Despite extensive ball possession of 65 percent, the U.S. maintained defensive discipline, with Tyler Adams receiving the only yellow card for his team. In contrast, Paraguay faced substantial disciplinary issues, with five yellow cards over the course of the match, underscoring its struggle to regain control.

The match ended with USA exhibiting superior tactics and execution, ensuring a strong start in its World Cup campaign.

The Stars and Stripes face Australia on June 19 in Seattle Stadium in Seattle, Wash. 

About the Game

Welcome to the world of the FIFA World Cup, a global football tournament. Football, also known as soccer in some countries, is a team sport played by two teams of 11 players each on an outdoor field.

The main goal is to score more goals than the opposing team. A goal is scored when the ball is kicked into the opposing team's large net, called the goal.

Games last 90 minutes, divided into two halves of 45 minutes each, with a short break in between called halftime. Players use their feet to kick the ball, but they can also use their heads or other parts of the body, except their hands and arms.

Only the goalkeeper, who stays near the goal to try to stop shots, can use hands within a specific area called the penalty box. Some important terms you'll hear include "offside," which is when a player is in an illegal position closer to the opponent's goal than the ball and the second last opponent, and "fouls," which are rule violations leading to free kicks or penalty kicks, depending on where they occur.

The FIFA World Cup occurs every four years and is considered the most prestigious football competition in the world. In 2026, teams from around the globe compete for the title. The tournament is structured with a group stage followed by knockout rounds. Initially, teams are divided into groups and each team plays against the others in its group.

Teams earn points for each match: three points for a win, one for a draw, and none for a loss. The best teams advance to the knockout stage, where they compete in direct elimination matches until only one team remains as the champion.

The World Cup is exciting because it brings nations together in a celebration of culture and sport, showcasing the best talents and fostering international camaraderie. Understanding these basics helps you follow the matches and enjoy the thrilling spectacle of the world’s most-watched sporting event.