Our USA vs Paraguay player ratings come from a near-perfect World Cup 2026 opener at SoFi Stadium, where the United States cruised to a 4-1 win. Folarin Balogun scored twice and the hosts controlled the game from start to finish, a statement of intent from Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
How the game unfolded
The U.S. could not have started better. A Paraguay own goal handed them the lead on seven minutes, and Balogun doubled it on 31 to leave the hosts two up at the break. Balogun added his second early in the second half for 3-0, and although Paraguay pulled one back through Mauricio, substitute Gio Reyna sealed a 4-1 win in stoppage time.
USA player ratings out of 10
Ratings are editorial marks, informed by the match data. Substitutes are marked where they played a meaningful part.
| Player | Pos | Rating | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matt Freese | GK | 6.5 | Largely a spectator behind a dominant team and beaten only once all night. |
| Alex Freeman | RB | 7.5 | Outstanding going forward, with an assist, nine duels won and two interceptions. |
| Chris Richards | CB | 7 | Commanding at the back, a perfect pass completion and six duels won. |
| Tim Ream | CB | 7 | Calm and assured, the veteran passed at 93% and read the danger well. |
| Antonee Robinson | LB | 6.5 | Busy down the left with three dribbles, and steady defensively. |
| Tyler Adams | DM | 8 | Bossed midfield: a team-high nine duels won, two interceptions and 88% passing. |
| Malik Tillman | AM | 8 | A star turn, with an assist, three chances created and five shots. |
| Weston McKennie | CM | 7 | Creative and energetic, with a team-high three chances created. |
| Sergiño Dest | RW | 7 | Lively on the right, beating his man four times before being rested. |
| Christian Pulisic | LW | 7.5 | Set up a goal and beat four players in a sharp 45 minutes before being withdrawn with the game won. |
| Folarin Balogun | ST | 8.5 | Man of the match: two goals from five shots to settle the game early. |
| Sebastian Berhalter (sub) | SUB | 6.5 | Came on at the break and kept the ball ticking over. |
| Gio Reyna (sub) | SUB | 7.5 | Scored within minutes of coming on to seal the rout. |
| Ricardo Pepi (sub) | SUB | 6.5 | A lively cameo that kept Paraguay pinned back. |
| Tim Weah (sub) | SUB | 6.5 | Two shots in a bright 18-minute run-out. |
The standouts
Balogun was the obvious headline with his two-goal display, but he was far from alone. Tyler Adams was immense at the base of midfield, winning a team-high nine duels, while Malik Tillman caught the eye with an assist and five shots. Christian Pulisic set up a goal and was sharp before being rested at half-time, and Weston McKennie created the most chances of anyone. It was a genuine team performance.
Key match stats
| Stat | USA | Paraguay |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 4 | 1 |
| Shots | 16 | 9 |
| Shots on target | 6 | 1 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 1.67 | 0.57 |
What is next for the USA
A 4-1 opening win is the perfect platform, and attention now turns to Australia in Seattle on 19 June, where a second victory would put the hosts on the brink of the last 16. See the full squad in our USMNT roster guide, our World Cup 2026 hub, and the latest World Cup 2026 winner odds. Heading to a game? Grab seats with our World Cup 2026 tickets guide. More on the team at U.S. Soccer.
The United States beat Paraguay 4-1 at SoFi Stadium in their World Cup 2026 opener. Folarin Balogun scored twice, with an early own goal and a late Gio Reyna strike completing the win.
Folarin Balogun scored a brace, an own goal opened the scoring, and substitute Gio Reyna added the fourth. Paraguay pulled one back through Mauricio.
Folarin Balogun took the headlines with two goals, while Tyler Adams and Malik Tillman also starred in a dominant team display.
The United States face Australia in Seattle on 19 June, their second Group game.