Christian Pulisic sparked concern over an injury for the USA after his superb first-half display in their World Cup 2026 opener against Paraguay.
The USA secured the perfect start to their World Cup campaign with a 4-1 win against a poor Paraguay side with ‘Captain America’ Pulisic and striker Folarin Balogun integral for the impressive hosts.
Pulisic played a major part in two goals as Mauricio Pochettino’s side stormed into a 3-0 lead. But the USA coach removed his talisman at the break due to a calf problem, with Pochettino taking no risks with his No 10.
“I just got a bit of a kick in the first half, so I'm really hoping that it's nothing,” Pulisic told reporters. “Taking a little bit of precaution today, but I'm hoping I'll be fine the next few days.”
"He received a kick in his calf and he felt tight at the end of the first half,” Pochettino said. “We didn't want to take any risks. It was difficult for him to walk but hope that it is not a big issue and he can be ready for the next one."
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USA vs Paraguay LIVE: Latest World Cup updates
- USA demolish Paraguay in statement win to get World Cup lift-off
- Christian Pulisic sparks injury scare for USA after coming off following superb World Cup performance
- Pulisic on World Cup 2026 injury scare: 'Just a bit of a kick'
- Lawrence Ostlere: USA stoke belief in wildest World Cup dreams after dismantling Paraguay
- Why did VAR overturn Tim Ream’s yellow card during USA v Paraguay?
- Empty seats at USA’s opening World Cup match after ticket price controversy
Christian Pulisic suffers injury scare for USA after superb World Cup display
15:55 , Jamie Braidwood
Christian Pulisic has sparked concern over an injury for the USA after his superb first-half display in the Group D World Cup 2026 opener against Paraguay.
The Milan winger shone at SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, and played a major part in two goals as Mauricio Pochettino’s side stormed into a 3-0 lead.
But the USA coach removed his talisman at the break due to a calf problem, with Pochettino taking no risks with his No 10.
Pulisic later told reporters: “I just got a bit of a kick in the first half, so I'm really hoping that it's nothing. Taking a little bit of precaution today, but I'm hoping I'll be fine the next few days.”
Christian Pulisic suffers injury scare for USA after superb World Cup display
Trump’s message to USA revealed as president snubs World Cup opener in LA
21:15 , Luke Baker
President Donald Trump called the U.S. Soccer Men’s National Team ahead of its opening match against Paraguay in Los Angeles.
Trump was not be in attendance at SoFi Stadium on Friday, where the USA beat Paraguay 4-1, but he shared words of encouragement with the team over the phone.
The president told the players Thursday night, “We're all rooting for you. The pressure is gone. Have some fun,” according to Fox Sports’ Jenny Taft.
The team later took to social media to share a clip of the call, in which Trump told coach Mauricio Pochettino that he was a “fantastic guy.”
Clint Dempsey slams Canada boss Jesse Marsch over US anthem ‘begging’ claim
20:07 , Luke Baker
Clint Dempsey slammed Canada boss Jesse Marsch after he claimed he had to “beg” United States players to sing the national anthem during his time in the setup.
Marsch, who was a USMNT international during his playing days, was speaking ahead of his side’s World Cup opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto when he drew on his experience as his home country’s assistant coach to Bob Bradley.
Clint Dempsey slams Canada boss Jesse Marsch over US anthem ‘begging’ claim
World Cup pundit Alexi Lalas stuns Fox with NSFW James Corden insult on live TV
18:58 , Caitlin Hornik in New York
World Cup 2026 analyst Alexi Lalas left his fellow Fox panelists stunned after hurling a profane insult at James Corden on live television.
During Friday’s World Cup coverage on Fox, a video package played advertising FIFA World Cup on FOX After Hours with James Corden, after which Lalas was asked his thoughts on the divisive TV host.
“Can we talk about James Corden for a second?” presenter Rebecca Lowe asked.
Lalas was first to jump in, responding, “What do you guys call them? A ... full kit w*****, right?”
A “full kit w*****” is British slang used in soccer culture to mock an adult who wears the complete professional playing uniform — including the jersey, shorts, and socks — outside of actually playing a match.
World Cup pundit Alexi Lalas stuns Fox with NSFW James Corden insult on live TV
Meet Folarin Balogun, the accidental immigrant leading USA’s World Cup charge
17:55 , Lawrence Ostlere, in Los Angeles
There is little evidence about Folarin Balogun’s political beliefs and we should resist the urge to assign some. But there is a delicious irony in his emergence as the hero of USA’s opening World Cup 2026 game. At a time when Donald Trump’s administration is actively using the tournament to flaunt its strong-arm approach to border control, flexing against fans, players, staff and even celebrated Somali referees, a Londoner of Nigerian heritage seems like the poster boy for a very different story of America.
Folarin Balogun is the accidental immigrant leading USA’s World Cup charge
USA stoke belief in wildest World Cup dreams after dismantling Paraguay in perfect opener
16:55 , Jamie Braidwood
Mauricio Pochettino had spent the past few days summoning belief in what the USA might achieve in the face of scepticism. Can they win the World Cup, he was repeatedly asked, to which his stock response was: “Why not? We can dream.” After this hugely impressive 4-1 win over Paraguay in Los Angeles, perhaps Pochettino’s task now is to manage inflated expectations, to temper America’s wildest dreams.
Lawrence Ostlere reports from SoFi Stadium:
USA stoke belief in wildest World Cup dreams after dismantling Paraguay
Mauricio Pochettino: No risk taken with Christian Pulisic
14:55 , Jamie Braidwood
Mauricio Pochettino has provided an update on Christian Pulisic’s fitness after bringing off his star winger at half-time.
"He received a kick in his calf and he felt tight at the end of the first half,” he said. “We didn't want to take any risks.
“It was difficult for him to walk but hope that it is not a big issue and he can be ready for the next one."
Who won the World Cup battle of the three opening ceremonies?
14:55 , Caitlin Hornik in New York
This year’s World Cup tournament boasted not one but three opening ceremonies – but which nation commanded the most star power?
Who won the World Cup battle of the three opening ceremonies?
World Cup 2026 golden boot standings: Folarin Balogun emerges as front-runner
13:55 , Jamie Braidwood
The race for the golden boot at World Cup 2026 is expected to be fierce, with Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Lamine Yamal all leading contenders to finish as the tournament’s top scorer.
France captain Mbappe and England skipper Kane are the previous two winners of the award, after all. Mbappe scored eight in 2022, including a hat-trick in the final, while Kane struck six for England in 2018.
The first ever 48-team World Cup features an additional round of 32, offering the world’s top strikers an additional opportunity of bagging an extra goal as they dream of embarking on a deep run into the tournament.
If players are tied for goals, the number of assists will determine who ranks higher. If there is still a tie, it comes down to minutes played and the goals-per-minute ratio. Here are the latest 2026 World Cup golden boot standings.
World Cup 2026 golden boot standings: Folarin Balogun emerges as early front-runner
Folarin Balogun: "Poch has said, Why not us?'
12:55 , Jamie Braidwood
Two-goal USA striker Folarin Balogun on a “dreamy night” as the World Cup co-hosts opened their tournament with a 4-1 win over Paraguay to kick their tournament into life.
“It's important to take each game at a time,” said Balogun. “But of course, Poch has said many times, ‘Why not us?’ We have to believe, you can't do anything if you don't believe in yourself. So a 4-1 against a tough Paraguay side, we’ll look to recover and rest for the next game.
“Three goals in the first half opening game, I felt like it was a real statement, and that's what we wanted to do. It's a dreamy night.”
11:55 , Jamie Braidwood
Mauricio Pochettino said the USA’s 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their World Cup opener was the result of a team-first approach rather than the efforts of individual players.
"It was the collective approach," Pochettino said. "Amazing, they were amazing. We can do amazing things if the fans are in this way."
Trump’s message to USA revealed as president snubs World Cup opener in LA
10:55 , Rachel Dobkin in New York
President Donald Trump called the U.S. Soccer Men’s National Team ahead of its opening match against Paraguay in Los Angeles.
Trump was not be in attendance at SoFi Stadium on Friday, where the USA beat Paraguay 4-1, but he shared words of encouragement with the team over the phone.
The president told the players Thursday night, “We're all rooting for you. The pressure is gone. Have some fun,” according to Fox Sports’ Jenny Taft.
The team later took to social media to share a clip of the call, in which Trump told coach Mauricio Pochettino that he was a “fantastic guy.”
Clint Dempsey slams Canada boss Jesse Marsch over US anthem ‘begging’ claim
09:55 , Will Castle
Clint Dempsey slammed Canada boss Jesse Marsch after he claimed he had to “beg” United States players to sing the national anthem during his time in the setup.
Marsch, who was a USMNT international during his playing days, was speaking ahead of his side’s World Cup opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto when he drew on his experience as his home country’s assistant coach to Bob Bradley.
Clint Dempsey slams Canada boss Jesse Marsch over US anthem ‘begging’ claim
World Cup pundit Alexi Lalas stuns Fox with NSFW James Corden insult on live TV
08:55 , Caitlin Hornik in New York
World Cup 2026 analyst Alexi Lalas left his fellow Fox panelists stunned after hurling a profane insult at James Corden on live television.
During Friday’s World Cup coverage on Fox, a video package played advertising FIFA World Cup on FOX After Hours with James Corden, after which Lalas was asked his thoughts on the divisive TV host.
“Can we talk about James Corden for a second?” presenter Rebecca Lowe asked.
Lalas was first to jump in, responding, “What do you guys call them? A ... full kit w*****, right?”
A “full kit w*****” is British slang used in soccer culture to mock an adult who wears the complete professional playing uniform — including the jersey, shorts, and socks — outside of actually playing a match.
World Cup pundit Alexi Lalas stuns Fox with NSFW James Corden insult on live TV
Everything you missed from day two at World Cup 2026
08:00 , Will Castle
The World Cup 2026 is beginning to find its rhythm with the remaining co-hosts getting their campaigns underway on day two - 2,210 miles apart.
Canada battled back to draw 1-1 with Bosnia-Herzegovina in Toronto thanks to substitute Cyle Larin after a tepid opening ceremony and an angry reaction to the sight of their American head coach Jesse Marsch heartily singing the anthem.
After then it was the turn of the USA, the primary hosts of this tournament, who got their campaign underway with an emphatic 4-1 thrashing of Paraguay in Los Angeles.
Here is everything you need to know from day two of the super-sized tournament
Everything you missed from day two at World Cup 2026
Christian Pulisic on World Cup 2026 injury scare
07:51 , Jamie Braidwood
“I just got a bit of a kick in the first half, so I'm really hoping that it's nothing. Taking a little bit of precaution today, but I'm hoping I'll be fine the next few days.”
USA stoke belief in wildest World Cup dreams after dismantling Paraguay in perfect opener
07:50 , Lawrence Ostlere in Los Angeles
Mauricio Pochettino had spent the past few days summoning belief in what the USA might achieve in the face of scepticism. Can they win the World Cup, he was repeatedly asked, to which his stock response was: “Why not? We can dream.” After this hugely impressive 4-1 win over Paraguay in Los Angeles, perhaps Pochettino’s task now is to manage inflated expectations, to temper America’s wildest dreams.
Lawrence Ostlere reports from SoFi Stadium:
USA stoke belief in wildest World Cup dreams after dismantling Paraguay
USA revels in Richards' return
07:45 , Will Castle
Chris Richards was a doubt for the USA’s opener due to an ankle injury, but made fitness to start the clash.
Having the Crystal Palace defender from the outset of these finals will be crucial for Maurico Pochettino’s side.
Heck of a World Cup debut for @eastmamba 🐍
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) June 13, 2026
📊 via @OptaJack pic.twitter.com/ix9Tk7M4gm
Water-gate: Fifa’s lucrative World Cup breaks are ruining the spectacle
07:30 , Will Castle
The three-minute water breaks were once again felt painfully forced during the USA’s win over Paraguay, with Lawrence Ostlere delving into why this dedicated time for hydration is actually little more than a cash grab:
This hydration break is powered by Powerade,” roared Fox Sports commentator Ian Darke, as the first game of the World Cup stopped after 24 minutes so players could take on water. The temperature in Mexico City was 23C, constituting a relatively mild day in the Mexican summer. But if we’ve learnt one thing over the past few weeks, it’s that this is not a tournament to miss out on a fast buck.
Fox Sports, of course, used the three-minute break to show lucrative advertising. Powerade is Fifa’s official sports drink, and once it had its moment on screen, Fox cut to adverts for AT&T (telecoms), Michelob Ultra (light beer), Lowe’s (home improvements) and FanDuel (sports betting). When the break ended, it cut back to find the players preparing to restart. Why anyone needs three minutes to glug some water has not been explained.
Water-gate: Fifa’s lucrative World Cup breaks are ruining the spectacle
Yesterday: The unlikely Southampton influence behind Canada’s World Cup lift-off
07:15 , Will Castle
Southampton’s public relations department has had a torrid few weeks trying to clean up the internal idiocy of Spygate, but they’re about to get a rare windfall of goodwill from across the Atlantic. Over 3,000 miles west of St Mary’s, Saints have had an inadvertent hand in Canadian history.
Canada are on the board at the World Cup, for the first time ever. They went pointless in Qatar four years ago, just as they did during their World Cup bow at Mexico ‘86. Thanks to Cyle Larin’s late heroics in Toronto, this hoodoo on the biggest stage is over.
One-third of a substitute masterclass from manager Jesse Marsch, Larin came off the bench to cancel out Bosnia and Herzegovina’s first-half opener with a stunning half-volley, instinctively striking across the ball to send it swerving past Nikola Vasilj and into the side-netting. It was a goal fitting of its importance in this country’s footballing history.
The unlikely Southampton influence behind Canada’s World Cup lift-off
Trump posts video of deadly strike on Tren de Aragua’s leader just minutes after US kicks off historic World Cup match
07:00 , Will Castle
Donald Trump snubbed the USA’s opener tonight - this is what he was doing instead.
The US president took to social media to post a video of a lethal strike on Tren de Aragua gang leader Hector “Niño Guerrero” Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, just minutes after kick-off at SoFi Stadium.
“At my direction, the United States Southern Command delivered a swift and lethal kinetic strike to successfully execute Niño Guerrero, the infamous leader of Tren De Aragua, one of the most bloodthirsty Terrorist Organizations on Planet Earth,” the president wrote on Truth Social, sharing a video of an aerial strike that blew a low-lying building to smithereens.
The irony that, before kick-off, the SoFi Stadium PA was calling on fans to “give a round of applause for peace”.
Trump shares clip of lethal hit on Tren de Aragua boss after US World Cup kickoff
Joy all round for the hosts
06:45 , Will Castle
That rounds off the three World Cup curtain-raisers for the host nations - and each will be feeling pretty chuffed with themselves.
The USA joined Mexico in winning their opener convincingly, while Canada scored a late equaliser against Bosnia and Herzegovina earlier to earn their first ever World Cup point and keep their hopes of progressing through the group very much alive.
But if we were to rank performances, it’s safe to say we saved the best until last. The USA ran riot tonight.
Pochettino hails fan support
06:30 , Will Castle
Mauricio Pochettino has hailed the support of the American fans as the US got off to the perfect start at the World Cup.
"Amazing,” he said. “That is what we were waiting for. When you talk about America, that passion, that feeling. Now they realise that soccer in America is massive, it's big."
How far can the US go?
06:15 , Will Castle
Opening Statement. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/yhWOQbVlV8
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) June 13, 2026
Why did VAR overturn Tim Ream’s yellow card during USA v Paraguay?
06:00 , Will Castle
USA received an unusual reprieve during their opening World Cup game against Paraguay as captain Tim Ream had his yellow card overturned following an intervention by VAR.
USA were leading 3-0 when Ream chased Paraguay winger Miguel Almiron towards America’s byline. Almiron went to ground and Ream was shown a yellow card for his challenge, but replays showed there was no contact between the pair and that Almiron had dived.
The game was paused as “VAR check – mistaken identity” flashed up on giant screens around the SoFi Stadium. And after the Dutch referee, Danny Makkelie, consulted his pitchside monitor, he rescinded the yellow card shown to US defender Ream and instead issued a yellow to Almiron for simulation.
The moment was bizarre. VAR interventions are not allowed for correcting yellow cards and are restricted to moments in the game involving goals, penalties, red cards and mistaken identity. But this appeared not to be a case of mistaken identity but simply a mistake by the referee in his reading of the incident.
Why did VAR overturn Tim Ream’s yellow card during USA v Paraguay?
Empty seats at USA’s opening World Cup match after ticket price controversy
05:45 , Will Castle
It wasn’t all sunshine and roses for the USA’s World Cup image...
The USA’s opening match played out in front of more empty seats to raise further questions about Fifa’s ticket prices for the tournament.
The World Cup co-hosts played their first match against Paraguay at the 70,000-capacity SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, but it failed to sell out. Pockets of empty seats could be seen clearly in the middle and lower tiers either side of the halfway line, in some of the most expensive parts of the stadium.
Tickets remained on sale in the hours before kick-off but at extremely high prices, ranging between $1,940 and $2,735 in the Category 1 and Category 2 tiers. Last month, US president Donald Trump even said he “wouldn’t pay” the four-figure prices fans were quoted for to attend the USA-Paraguay match.
There were thousands of empty seats in just the second match of the tournament between South Korea and Czech Republic in Guadalajara on Thursday evening. There were also empty seats at Canada’s opening match against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto early on Friday.
Empty seats at USA’s opening World Cup match after ticket price controversy
Will England be regretting letting Folarin Balogun slip through their grasp?
05:30 , Will Castle
A reminder that Folarin Balogun, a youth product of Arsenal, was an England U21 international before switching allegiance to the USA.
He’s been thriving at Monaco this season, bagging 19 goals, and has clearly carried that form into the World Cup. It was some display from the striker tonight.
He obviously wouldn’t be starting ahead of Harry Kane - but given the questions around his deputy, should England be regretting letting Balogun slip through their grasp?
More from Pochettino
05:15 , Will Castle
"So, so proud,” US manager Pochettino said. “Players and staff deserved big credit for this performance.
"The most important is the performance and the feeling. We know it is only the start and it is nothing. It is only one game. Now we need to be intelligent to keep [going] in that direction.
"But we are so happy because the first game is always so difficult, hosting the World Cup, the expectation but we managed the expectation and pressure. The first 45 minutes were amazing, difficult to find a team to play like this. So happy and so proud.”
How that leaves Group D
04:50 , Will Castle
Australia and Turkey begin their campaign tomorrow evening, but let’s just confirm how Group D looks after tonight’s result:
1. United States - 3 points, +3 GD
2. Australia - 0 points, 0 GD
3. Turkey - 0 points, 0 GD
4. Paraguay - 0 points, -3 GD
Pochettino: No risk taken with Pulisic
04:40 , Will Castle
Mauricio Pochettino has provided an update on Christian Pulisic’s fitness after bringing off his star winger at half-time.
"He received a kick in his calf and he felt tight at the end of the first half,” he said. “We didn't want to take any risks.
“It was difficult for him to walk but hope that it is not a big issue and he can be ready for the next one."
Folarin Balogun for golden boot?
04:30 , Will Castle
Folarin Balogun has taken the lead in the World Cup golden boot race!
Yes, there have only been five games. But the US striker is nevertheless the first to strike brace this tournament, meaning he leaps above all to the top of the goalscoring charts.
May need a fair few more to stay there, mind you.
Christian Pulisic sparks injury scare for USA after coming off following superb World Cup performance
04:20 , Will Castle
Christian Pulisic has sparked concern over an injury problem for the USA after his superb first-half display in the Group D World Cup 2026 opener against Paraguay.
The Milan winger shone at SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, and played a major part in two goals as Mauricio Pochettino’s side stormed into a 3-0 lead.
But the USA coach removed his talisman at the break, with a lack of clarity as to why, with some suggesting Pochettino was keen to rest the No 10.
Full story:
Christian Pulisic suffers injury scare for USA after superb World Cup display
USA make World Cup statement in Paraguay demolition
04:12 , Will Castle
FULL-TIME! USA 4-1 Paraguay
04:08 , Will Castle
The USA secured the perfect start to their World Cup 2026 campaign against a poor Paraguay side with Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun integral for the impressive hosts.
The intense pace set by Mauricio Pochettino’s side caused havoc for the South Americans, with an Damian Bobadilla own-goal handing the hosts the lead. And the second soon followed, with Pulisic racing away down the left and cutting back to Balogun, who made no mistake with a clinical finish. The Monaco striker then hammered home a third to complete a remarkable first-half performance.
Pulisic would come off at the break, with doubts over the reasons behind Pochettino’s decision, and Paraguay’s Mauricio pulled a goal back in the second half to spark hopes of a famous comeback. But Gio Reyna ensured the hosts ended the match on a high, beautifully bending in with the outside of his foot to add the USA’s fourth with the last kick of the game.
The opening ceremony saw performances from Katy Perry and Future at SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles ahead of the Group D opener before Australia face Turkey on Saturday. While President Donald Trump’s absence at SoFi Stadium was notable, ahead of his 80th birthday celebrations in Washington this weekend.
FULL-TIME! USA 4-1 Paraguay
04:05 , Will Castle
There goes the final whistle!
An incredible performance from the hosts.
GOAL! USA 4-1 Paraguay (Reyna, 90+8')
04:03 , Will Castle
THE PERFECT END TO THE PERFECT BEGINNING!
A stunning trivela finish from Gio Reyna takes the US over the four-goal barrier, the first time they’ve achieved the feat in a World Cup match in their history.
What a statement win.
USA 3-1 Paraguay
04:00 , Will Castle
90+7 mins: The Americans are ending with a flurry. McKennie comes down the left and tries to find Pepi as they look for a fourth, but Alderete is there to head out for a throw.
USA 3-1 Paraguay
04:00 , Will Castle
90+6 mins: The US are nearly there...
USA 3-1 Paraguay
03:58 , Will Castle
90+3 mins: Paraguay frantically defending once again as Robinson tries the cut-back, desperately trying to clear.
They eventually get it into the opposition half but as the US try and come again, Adams has his shirt pulled by Alonso. He enters the book.
USA 3-1 Paraguay
03:56 , Will Castle
90+1 mins: Seven minutes added on.
USA 3-1 Paraguay
03:55 , Will Castle
90 mins: Berhalter saw his name in lights as the ball fell to his feet with Paraguay’s keeper well off his line, but he doesn’t catch it right and can’t score the spectacular lob.
USA 3-1 Paraguay
03:54 , Will Castle
88 mins: CHANCE! Pepi will be kicking himself!
He has it put on a plate for him from the pullback but the US substitute leans back and blazes it over the bar.
Balogun will have watched that from the bench feeling if he was still on, he would’ve converted that for his hat-trick.
USA 3-1 Paraguay
03:49 , Will Castle
84 mins: Suddenly, this game doesn’t look completely tied up for the US. They’re still dominating possession but when Paraguay tie some passes together, they’re coming forward and putting dangerous balls into Freese’s box.
Another goal and this becomes a very nervy affair.
USA 3-1 Paraguay
03:46 , Will Castle
80 mins: Alfaro still needs something of a miracle to turn this around for Paraguay, so he’s rolling the dice from the bench.
He makes a triple change, bringing off Almiron, Gomez and Caceres - who are all on yellow cards - and replacing them with Velazquez, Sosa and Romero.
Pochettino also turns to his substitutes, replacing Tillman with Reyna.
USA 3-1 Paraguay
03:42 , Will Castle
78 mins: SAVE! Fingertip stop from Gill denies Weah, who fired a great effort towards the top-left corner.
It’s a big stop by the Paraguay keeper, but the referee didn’t spot it as he awards a goal kick.
USA 3-1 Paraguay
03:40 , Will Castle
75 mins: CHANCE! That should’ve finished it!
The US are gifted the ball in Paraguay’s final third but instead of just shooting himself, Pepi looks to offload it to Tillman, whose effort it tame.
Straight down the throat of Gill.
GOAL! USA 3-1 Paraguay (Mauricio, 73')
03:38 , Will Castle
That makes things interesting!
Paraguay pounce on loose possession, heading it into the path of Brazilian-born Mauricio who tucks home.
The deficit is reduced to two... the nerves may begin to creep back in for the Americans.
USA 3-0 Paraguay
03:37 , Will Castle
72 mins: He wanted to stay on, but his manager isn’t going to risk it. Balogun makes way for PSV’s Pepi - no World Cup hat-trick for the Monaco man.
Dest is also replaced by Weah for the US.
USA 3-0 Paraguay
03:34 , Will Castle
69 mins: Into the second-half hydration break. Pochettino just asked Balogun how he was doing - no surprise the hat-trick-hunting striker quickly assured him he was good to continue.
The final “quarter” to come.
USA 3-0 Paraguay
03:33 , Will Castle
67 mins: The ball rolls out to Diego Gomez who lets fly from range - he connects with it well but it rockets over.
We know he can hit them - see some of the worldies he’s scored for Brighton as proof.
USA 3-0 Paraguay
03:30 , Will Castle
64 mins: The US have nearly gone 20 minutes of second-half football without a goal, and they’re hungry for a fourth.
Dest gets to the byline and flashes one tantalisingly across goal, but there’s no-one to convert.
Balogun then does the same, pulling it back across where he does find a white shirt, who can’t get a proper shot away.
USA 3-0 Paraguay
03:27 , Will Castle
62 mins: Another change for Paraguay as Sanabria is replaced by Arce up top.
USA 3-0 Paraguay
03:26 , Will Castle
60 mins: This ref needs to put his yellow and red cards in different pockets.
Adams flies in with a rash challenge and ends up in the book, but once again the referee accidentally pulls out his red to give everyone in SoFi Stadium a mini heart attack.
It is yellow for Adams, and it’s a needless one at that - the US are in complete control.
USA 3-0 Paraguay
03:23 , Will Castle
58 mins: There’s a lot of frustration on the Paraguayan bench. Their team is currently taking a beating and sloppiness in possession is not helping their cause.
The US force another corner, this time it’s well dealt with by the Paraguayans.
USA 3-0 Paraguay
03:20 , Will Castle
55 mins: Balogun wants a penalty after sharply turning Alderete and going to the deck.
The ref waves it away, saying Alderete just stood his ground.
You can see why he appealed for it - he’ll want that hat-trick!
USA 3-0 Paraguay
03:18 , Will Castle
52 mins: The referee comes back to chalk off Ream’s yellow, and he’s whipped out... a RED?!
For a second it looks like he’s about to send off Almiron for diving. Turns out he just took out the wrong card. Shambles.
USA 3-0 Paraguay
03:17 , Will Castle
51 mins: Well, this is new. The referee has just stopped play for “mistaken identity”.
He’s going to the monitor the overturn a yellow card that was given against Tim Ream, instead giving it to Miguel Almiron for diving.
USA 3-0 Paraguay
03:14 , Will Castle
49 mins: The last thing the US want to do is let Paraguay back in with a silly mistake, and they nearly just did.
Freeman gives it away on halfway, allowing Paraguay to slip through Gomez, whose shot is deflected over by the retreating Ream.
Pochettino is off his bench to give his player an earful.
BACK UNDERWAY! USA 3-0 Paraguay
03:10 , Will Castle
And we’re off again!
A couple of changes to note. Pulisic has been rested for the remainder of the game and is replaced by Berhalter, while Brazilian-born Mauricio is on for OG-scorer Bobadilla.
US running riot in World Cup opener
03:06 , Will Castle
Trump posts video of deadly strike on Tren de Aragua’s leader just minutes after US kicks off historic World Cup match
03:04 , Will Castle
Donald Trump snubbed the USA’s opener tonight - this is what he was doing instead.
The US president took to social media to post a video of a lethal strike on Tren de Aragua gang leader Hector “Niño Guerrero” Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, just minutes after kick-off at SoFi Stadium.
“At my direction, the United States Southern Command delivered a swift and lethal kinetic strike to successfully execute Niño Guerrero, the infamous leader of Tren De Aragua, one of the most bloodthirsty Terrorist Organizations on Planet Earth,” the president wrote on Truth Social, sharing a video of an aerial strike that blew a low-lying building to smithereens.
The irony that, before kick-off, the SoFi Stadium PA was calling on fans to “give a round of applause for peace”.
Trump shares clip of lethal hit on Tren de Aragua boss after US World Cup kickoff
Empty seats at USA’s opening World Cup match after ticket price controversy
03:02 , Will Castle
It’s not all been great news at SoFi...
The USA’s opener is being played out in front of more empty seats to raise further questions about Fifa’s ticket prices for the tournament.
The World Cup co-hosts played their first match against Paraguay at the 70,000-capacity SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, but it failed to sell out. Pockets of empty seats could be seen clearly in the middle and lower tiers either side of the halfway line, in some of the most expensive parts of the stadium.
Tickets remained on sale in the hours before kick-off but at extremely high prices, ranging between $1,940 and $2,735 in the Category 1 and Category 2 tiers. Last month, US president Donald Trump even said he “wouldn’t pay” the four-figure prices fans were quoted for to attend the USA-Paraguay match.
Full story:
Empty seats at USA’s opening World Cup match after ticket price controversy
Perfect start for US
03:00 , Will Castle
The USA go into half-time having secured perfect start to their World Cup 2026 campaign against a poor Paraguay side with Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun integral for the hosts.
The intense pace set by Mauricio Pochettino’s side caused havoc for the South Americans, with an Damian Bobadilla own-goal handing the hosts the lead.
And the second soon followed, with Pulisic racing away down the left and cutting back to Balogun, who made no mistake with a clinical finish.
The Monaco striker then hammered home a third to complete a remarkable first-half performance.
'The best of the lot'
02:58 , Lawrence Ostlere at SoFi Stadium
Here’s Lawrence Ostlere inside SoFi Stadium:
“That’s is the best of the lot, a lovely goal. Folarin Balogun has had the ball in the net three times in this game already, although one was ruled out. This time he takes just a moment to show some composure in the box before a pinpoint finish into the top-left corner. One of the big concerns for this American team is a lack of goalscorers, but if Balogun solves that problem over the next few weeks then they can be a real force.”
HALF-TIME! USA 3-0 Paraguay
02:55 , Will Castle
And that’s the last kick of the half!
What a statement 45 minutes of football from the Americans.
GOAL! USA 3-0 Paraguay (Balogun, 45+5')
02:52 , Will Castle
WHAT A FINISH!
That just sums up the half. Folarin Balogun darts in behind, sends his man before bending it right into the top corner.
The US look SUBLIME!
USA 2-0 Paraguay
02:50 , Will Castle
45+3 mins: Chance for Paraguay to maybe cause some trouble as they launch a free-kick from deep into the US box, but Freese comes out to catch. The New York stopper has been a virtual bystander here - he’ll take the practice.
USA 2-0 Paraguay
02:49 , Will Castle
45+1 mins: Five minutes of first-half added time. Paraguay will be desperate to get to the break only two down.
USA 2-0 Paraguay
02:46 , Will Castle
43 mins: SAVE! Another sweeping move from the US almost ends with a third, with Gill coming to the rescue!
Dest, McKennie and Tillman all combine to try and fashion a tap-in but the Paraguay keeper makes himself big to deny the hosts.
USA 2-0 Paraguay
02:44 , Will Castle
41 mins: Pochettino is not happy with a challenge on one of his players - looks like studs may have been raked down the back on Achilles.
Anyway, he’s back up and here come the US again. Dest breezes past his man like it’s nothing but his cross is too close to the keeper.
USA 2-0 Paraguay
02:40 , Will Castle
37 mins: CLOSE! Paraguay struggle to clear another delivery, tapping it out for Tillman whose effort is blocked for a corner.
The corner is then met by Richards, whose header goes agonisingly wide! The keeper may have had it covered but he was scrambling.
USA 2-0 Paraguay
02:39 , Will Castle
35 mins: Paraguay are clinging on for dear life now.
It’s not just Pulisic - every US attacker smells blood and wants to drive at the Paraguay defenders, who are having a really difficult time.
Another cross comes in from the left aiming for Balogun, who makes contact but can only flick it on. The Americans are having a field day.
USA 2-0 Paraguay
02:35 , Will Castle
32 mins: A reminder that Balogun did play for the England U21s before switching allegiances.
Now with a World Cup goal to his name, I doubt he has any regrets over his decision.
GOAL! USA 2-0 Paraguay (Balogun, 31')
02:34 , Will Castle
He didn’t need a second invitation!
Folarin Balogun plants home after another great run forward by Christian Pulisic, who pulls it back for the Monaco striker to finish.
He can celebrate now!
NO GOAL! USA 1-0 Paraguay
02:32 , Will Castle
28 mins: Folarin Balogun tucks neatly in for what looks like USA’s second right from the restart - but after an age, the linesman puts his flag up!
Replays show Christian Pulisic was about two yards off in the build-up, and Balogun may have strayed himself.
USA 1-0 Paraguay
02:30 , Will Castle
27 mins: We’re off again.
USA 1-0 Paraguay
02:27 , Will Castle
24 mins: Pulisic looks to inspire again but blazes a cross too high and it flies out of play.
Time for a hydration break.
The US are very good value for their lead.
USA 1-0 Paraguay
02:26 , Will Castle
23 mins: It looks like Paraguay are just about finding some composure in this game after a frantic start.
Still the US dominate possession.
USA 1-0 Paraguay
02:22 , Will Castle
18 mins: The US get another chance from a set piece as Richards heads of the bar, but a clash of skulls with Alderete leaves both on the deck.
USA 1-0 Paraguay
02:20 , Will Castle
17 mins: CHANCE! A better touch and that should be 2-0!
The USA get the overload as Balogun draws in the defender and slips Dest into the box.
He has acres of space but his touch forces him too close to the goalkeeper, with his cutback to the former Arsenal youth star intercepted.
The Americans are carving Paraguay’s defence apart at the moment - this could get ugly if it stays this dominant.
USA 1-0 Paraguay
02:18 , Will Castle
16 mins: First bit of joy in a while for Paraguay as they come forward through Enciso.
The Strasbourg man fires an effort that rolls harmlessly wide of the post but wants a corner. Replays show he was right.
USA 1-0 Paraguay
02:15 , Will Castle
11 mins: The US have their tail up. Pulisic continues to terrorise the Paraguay defence, beating Juan José Cáceres who him down and is shown a yellow.
Nothing comes directly from the free-kick but the Americans come again, and again, and again. Balogun also looks a live wire.
This is exactly what the home crowd would’ve wanted to see.
'US settle their nerves'
02:13 , Lawrence Ostlere at SoFi Stadium
Here’s Lawrence Ostlere inside SoFi Stadium:
“That was unfortunate for Damian Bobadilla, who got himself in the right spot to cut out the pass but ended up clumsily putting the ball into his own net. Both teams had started brightly but it’s the US who strike first and that’s just what they needed to ease a few nerves.”
GOAL! USA 1-0 Paraguay (Bobadilla OG, 7')
02:10 , Will Castle
IT’S A DREAM START FOR THE HOSTS!
They get a huge strike of luck as Damian Bobadilla knocks into his own net, but it stems from a wonderful bit of skill from main man Christian Pulisic who dances into the box, nutmegging his man before putting it on a plate for Weston McKennie.
McKennie should probably shoot but he chooses to pass it, something Bobadilla wasn’t expecting as he runs into the ball, which rolls over the line.
Lift-off in LA!
USA 0-0 Paraguay
02:07 , Will Castle
4 mins: This has been a good start, and now the US are coming. They burst forward, slipping one through to Balogun who does get a shot away under pressure, but it’s straight at the keeper.
Long may this tempo continue.
USA 0-0 Paraguay
02:06 , Will Castle
2 mins: After the US went for the long hoof straight from kick-off, Paraguay have cleared and started brightly.
They found their way into the opposite box before Gomez flashes one across goal from the tight angle, which requires Freese to tip over.
KICK-OFF! USA 0-0 Paraguay
02:02 , Will Castle
WE ARE UNDERWAY!
'Looks like a sellout'
02:01 , Lawrence Ostlere at SoFi Stadium
Here’s Lawrence Ostlere inside SoFi Stadium:
“There are still a few empty seats dotted around the stadium but that may just be latecomers or people still out on the concourses. In the main, it looks like a sellout. Fans outside told me they spent around $1,000 for tickets for this one. If that’s the average, then that’s revenue of more than $70m for Fifa from this game alone.”
Rousing rendition of 'Star-Spangled Banner'
02:00 , Will Castle
Time for the first “Star Spangled Banner” of this World Cup...
Wow. That was pretty magnificent. Did I imagine the eagle squawk?
Here come the teams
01:56 , Will Castle
Now for the proper action!
The flags are laid and the teams are making their way out to the centre circle for their national anthems.
Paraguay up first...
Katy Perry headlines opening ceremony
01:55 , Will Castle
One song and that’s your lot. Was expecting something a bit over-the-top and self-indulgent from the Americans but, if anything, that was very lowkey.
A quick Google search reveals that the boy was Tias Luka, a young Norwegian singer who features on the song “Wonder”. Should’ve known!
Katy Perry headlines opening ceremony
01:53 , Will Castle
It’s not just international pop star Katy Perry singing the US into their World Cup opener - she’s joined by a little boy!
Why he’s there I’m not sure, but he can sing so fair play.
Katy Perry headlines opening ceremony
01:50 , Will Castle
Your headline act is here!
Katy Perry is at the centre circle with mic in hand and is performing her song “Wonder”.
Parade of nations now... Katy Perry next?
01:45 , Lawrence Ostlere at SoFi Stadium
About 15 minutes until kick-off here and we are embarking on a parade of nations, ushered in by Ted Lasso star Jason Sudeikis, with each of the 48 teams’ flag being carried out to the centre circle.
Presumably Katy Perry is imminent…
Ream: 'We expect to see a full stadium'
01:41 , Will Castle
US captain Tim Ream says he “expects to see a full stadium” when the team steps out onto the pitch ahead for kick-off.
"We expect to see a full stadium, an incredible crowd, an incredible atmosphere and an opening ceremony for us that will be the culmination of a lot of hard work and decisions that we have made to get to this point,” he said.
Currently still a lot empty seats with about 20 minutes until we get underway.
Pochettino: 'The time is now'
01:36 , Will Castle
"I trust in my players, I trust in the process,” said US manager Mauricio Pochettino. “We are very confident. We know the game is about competing and the time is now. We need to deliver the show.
”The first game is difficult for everyone. Paraguay is a very good team with very good players and very good coach. They are very competitive.
“We want to play well, win games and compete. They are going to show aggression."
Pulisic getting the love
01:32 , Will Castle
Huge cheer as Christian Pulisic’s name is read out over the SoFi PA during the US line-up announcement.
He’s the American hero of this World Cup.
Who are Paraguay's ones to watch?
01:25 , Will Castle
Let’s take a look at Paraguay’s team, shall we.
They’ve got a couple of current Premier League names, one of which was Sunderland centre-back Omar Alderete who starred for the Black Cats in their first season back in the top-flight.
Diego Gomez has also become a regular at Brighton, starting alongside former Seagulls man Julio Enciso.
But the most recognisable name in their team will be former Newcastle winger Miguel Almiron, who now finds himself back playing in the United States with Atlanta United.
We’ll always remember that purple patch in 2023...
Opening ceremony gone quiet
01:16 , Will Castle
So, this now feels much less like a World Cup opening ceremony and more like a normal pre-match build.
The likes of Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson are pinging balls to each other, fans are slowly filtering into the ground, and “Freed From Desire” is blaring over the speakers. Feels like I’m at Craven Cottage in 2024.
Some time until Katy Perry...
01:10 , Will Castle
Right - the players are out on the field to warm up. Looks like the main event of Katy Perry won’t be happening until right before kick-off... if at all?
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
