Mauricio Pochettino’s squad didn’t just win—they made a statement. In front of a fired-up home crowd, the U.S. Men’s National Team dismantled Paraguay 4-1, making history as the first USMNT side to score four goals in a single World Cup match.
The onslaught began early, as Weston McKennie’s sharp cross forced Paraguay’s Damián Bobadilla into an own goal just seven minutes in. Christian Pulisic pulled the strings throughout the half, but it was striker Folarin Balogun who stole the show, bagging a brilliant brace in the 31st and 45th+5 minutes to send the U.S. into the break with a commanding 3-0 lead.
Pulisic was subbed off at halftime as a precaution due to a minor calf issue, which opened the door for Sebastian Berhalter to step in and make history alongside his dad, Gregg, as a World Cup father-son duo.
Paraguay pulled one back in the 73rd minute through Maurício, but the U.S. never looked rattled. Then, deep into stoppage time at 90+7 minutes, substitute Gio Reyna put an exclamation point on the night, curling a stunning outside-of-the-foot strike into the net to seal the 4-1 victory.
With three points in hand, the USMNT now sits atop Group D. Next up: a trip north to face Australia at Lumen Field in Seattle on Friday, June 19. If they keep playing like this, buckle up.
