Can USA win the World Cup? What Paraguay result tells us

The United States could be genuine contenders for the 2026 FIFA World Cup if their opening performance against Paraguay is anything to go by.

USA kicked off its home World Cup campaign with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Paraguay in Los Angeles, delivering one of the most complete performances in the team’s modern history.

The win was also significant because it marked the first time the Americans had scored four goals in a World Cup match.

Dream start for USA

The match could not have started much better for the hosts.

USA took the lead in the seventh minute when Paraguayan defender Bobadilla turned the ball into his own net under pressure from the American attack. The early goal immediately settled the nerves of the home crowd.

The Americans continued to dominate possession and create chances.

Their pressure paid off again in the 31st minute when striker Folarin Balogun doubled the lead with a well-taken finish.

Just before halftime, Balogun struck again in stoppage time to make it 3-0, putting USA firmly in control before the break.

Paraguay fight back

Paraguay improved after halftime and managed to pull one goal back in the 73rd minute through Maurício after a rare lapse in the American defence.

For a brief period, the South Americans looked capable of making the match competitive.

However, USA remained composed and continued to create opportunities.

The victory was sealed deep into stoppage time when Gio Reyna scored in the 90+8th minute to make it 4-1 and cap off a memorable night for the hosts.

Injury concern for Pulisic

The only negative for USA came through captain Christian Pulisic.

Pulisic was substituted at halftime after suffering a knock to his calf during the first half.

Coach Mauricio Pochettino later confirmed the decision was precautionary after the midfielder experienced discomfort. Both player and coach expressed optimism that the injury is not serious.

If Pulisic recovers quickly, USA will retain one of its most important attacking weapons for the remainder of the tournament.

Can USA really win the World Cup?

One result does not win a World Cup.

However, the Paraguay match revealed several encouraging signs.

First, USA showed attacking depth. Balogun scored twice, Reyna came off the bench to score, while the midfield consistently created chances.

Second, the team displayed tactical discipline and maturity under Pochettino. The Americans controlled large portions of the match and rarely looked overwhelmed.

Third, they are playing at home, where crowd support could become a major advantage as the tournament progresses.

The biggest test will come against stronger opponents later in the competition. Paraguay struggled to contain the American attack, but teams such as England, Argentina, France and Brazil would present a much higher level of difficulty.

Next USA fixture

The United States now turns its attention to Australia in its second Group D match.

According to the World Cup schedule, USA will face Australia on June 19, 2026.

A victory would move the Americans significantly closer to qualification for the knockout stages.

For now, though, the message from the Paraguay victory is clear: USA has started the World Cup exactly as a serious contender should.

The hosts are not favourites yet, but after a dominant 4-1 win, they have given supporters plenty of reasons to believe.