USA Thrash Paraguay 4-1; Canada Grab Historic Point

The co-hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the United States and Canada, enjoyed historic opening matches on Day 2 of the tournament, delivering a massive treat for football fans across the globe.

USA Thrash Paraguay in Los Angeles

In Los Angeles, the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) kicked off their Group D campaign with a dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay at the SoFi Stadium. This marks the first time the USA has scored four goals in a single World Cup fixture.

Driven by an inspired first-half performance from Christian Pulisic, the Americans forced an early own goal from Paraguay’s Damian Bobadilla in the seventh minute. Striker Folarin Balogun then took center stage, side-footing home a Pulisic pass in the 31st minute before curling a brilliant strike into the top corner just before halftime to make it 3-0.

Paraguay pulled one back in the 73rd minute when substitute Maurício guided the ball past US goalkeeper Matt Freese after a neat setup by Julio Enciso and Miguel Almirón. However, the night belonged to the hosts. Deep into injury time 23-year-old substitute Giovanni Reyna sealed the 4-1 win with a breathtaking trivela strike curling the ball into the net with the outside of his right foot after a patient 24-pass team buildup.

The goal marked a emotional redemption for Reyna. Once dubbed the "American Dream" at Borussia Dortmund, Reyna's career had derailed due to injuries and a highly public controversy during the 2022 World Cup. However current head coach Mauricio Pochettino’s faith in the midfielder was spectacularly rewarded on the grandest stage.

Canada Secure Historic First Point

Meanwhile in Toronto, fellow co-hosts Canada secured their first-ever World Cup point in a gritty 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina. After falling behind to an early goal by Bosnia's Jovo Lukic, Jesse Marsch’s Canadian side fought back with star forward Cyle Larin scoring the crucial equalizer to rescue a historic result on home soil.

Group D action resumes next weekend. The USA will travel to Seattle to face Australia on Friday, June 19, while Paraguay will look to bounce back against Turkey in Santa Clara on Saturday, June 20.