5 Lessons Learned After the USMNT's 4-1 Win Over Paraguay at the 2026 World Cup

One game down, three points earned.

The U.S. men's national team dominated Paraguay by a 4-1 scoreline at Sofi Stadium on Friday evening, kicking off their World Cup campaign with a bang. It took just seven minutes for the USMNT to get on the board, courtesy of a Paraguay own-goal. From there, the floodgates opened in front of a packed house in Southern California.

What did we learn from the USMNT's World Cup opener? Let's dive in.

USSF's Gamble on Pochettino Pays Off in Opener

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Following the USMNT's failure at the Copa America in 2024, Gregg Berhalter was relieved of his duties as manager. When looking for his successor, U.S. Soccer swung big, much as they did when hiring Emma Hayes as manager of the women's national team.

Enter: Mauricio Pochettino.

The highest-paid employee in U.S. Soccer history, whose hiring was made possible by external donors, Pochettino took charge of the men's program in 2024. It didn't take long for him to institute a cultural reset, headlined by a public back-and-forth with Christian Pulisic and a decision to leave Weston McKennie off last year's roster. Now with his team playing in the biggest World Cup ever, Pochettino's efforts seem to have paid off.

The United States began their group-stage opener against Paraguay with impressive intensity. A first-minute challenge from Tyler Adams in midfield set the tone, as did the team's decision to kick the ball long and out of bounds off the opening kickoff. Make no mistake, the U.S. was eager to get stuck in and engage in a physical battle. 

Much like they did in the two World Cup tuneups, the USMNT swarmed across the field and made life difficult for their opponents. Motivated by the manager and emboldened by each other, the U.S. impressed on Friday.

The USMNT Were Fluid and Fun to Watch, Delivering an Unforgettable First Half

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Christian Pulisic and Juan Jose Caceres

There was little doubt heading into the United States' World Cup opener that Pochettino's team would control the ball. Up against a typically stodgy Paraguay team, one that allowed the joint-second-fewest goals in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying, the onus would be on the USMNT to create against a steady 4-4-2 block.

As it turns out, the U.S. understood the assignment — and then some — to kickstart their summer campaign.

With 65% possession by the time the final whistle blew, the United States owned the ball. They put it to good use, too, with sharp attacking play from just about everyone on the field and plenty of fluidity across their 3-2-5 possession shape. At times, Weston McKennie would rotate from his right-sided No. 10 role to play out wide, allowing right winger Sergiño Dest to tuck inside. Elsewhere, Malik Tillman would drift forward from his No. 8 role, and Pulisic and Antonee Robinson had flexibility to swap spots on the left wing.

Those constant interchanges made life difficult for Paraguay and sparked one of the best attacking showings in recent U.S. history.

Chris Richards' Return Boosts the Defense

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Most of Pochettino's lineup for the clash with Paraguay was easy to predict. One position, though, was in question: the center-back spot next to Tim Ream.

Given Chris Richards' ankle injury, which prevented him from playing a role in Crystal Palace's Europa Conference League triumph towards the end of last month, exactly who would anchor the USMNT's defense remained unknown. That is, until the United States' lineup dropped on Friday evening and Richards' name was included.

Easily the U.S.'s strongest defender and their most imposing aerial presence, getting Richards back in the team for the first time this summer was a boon for Pochettino's outfit. The 26-year-old was alert defensively and threatening on attacking set pieces — and, crucially, didn't show signs of pain or fatigue en route to playing the full match.

That Richards returned and played well is a boost to the USMNT's confidence ahead of what the team hopes will be a busy summer.

Folarin Balogun Answers the Bell as the USA's Starting No. 9

If there was any debate about who should lead the line for the USMNT at this World Cup, consider it ended. Making his World Cup debut, Folarin Balogun bagged a brace as the United States' No. 9.

With sharp off-ball movement, the AS Monaco striker found the back of the net in the 31st minute to double his team's advantage. It's that sort of savvy work away from the ball that's helped make Balogun a standout for both club and country since he committed to play for the United States in 2023.

Later in the first half, Balogun completed his brace. After a vertical run in behind the Paraguayan backline to get on the end of a sublime pass from Tillman, Balogun cut past Palmeiras center back Gustavo Gomez and curled the ball into the top corner. Once a winger in the Arsenal system, the 24-year-old has the on-ball skill to create separation and generate his own shots, which is a massive asset in the U.S. attack:

After showing off a handful of tools in his belt, Balogun is riding high as the United States' go-to option up top.

This May Have Been Christian Pulisic's Best Performance, But Will He Be Healthy?

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After receiving the ball in the left halfspace, Christian Pulisic faced forward. 

Standing just feet away from him was a pair of Paraguayan players, eager to slow the United States' talisman. Without regard for the fact that he was standing on the Sofi Stadium grass outnumbered, Pulisic ran right at the opposing duo, bursting between them and breaking into Orlando Gill's box. Meeting the ball inside the 18, Pulisic helped force the ball through to Weston McKennie, whose deflected cutback ended in a Paraguayan own goal and a U.S. lead:

Pulisic was bright all night long for the United States, never shying away from a dribble opportunity and regularly creating danger high up the field. It was the AC Milan man who assisted the USMNT's second goal, too, after knifing in behind. Though his pass ricocheted off an opponent, the fact that Pulisic so consistently found pockets of space was a major positive for the hosts:

Prior to the U.S.'s friendly win over Senegal late last month, Pulisic hadn't scored for the national team since 2024. He hadn't scored for Milan in this calendar year, either. But on Friday? You wouldn't know it. It was Pulisic at his best.

However, Pulisic's halftime exit is a concern for the United States. His postgame comments lead you to believe that it's nothing too serious, but American fans will be holding their breath ahead of the Australia game.