The United States national team has opened the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a notable performance, facing Paraguay in their first match of the tournament. This game marks a significant achievement as the U.S. scored two goals in the first half, a feat not accomplished since the 2002 World Cup against Portugal.
Details: According to Stats Foot, this marks the first instance in which the U.S. has registered two first-half goals in a World Cup match in over two decades. The last occurrence was during their clash with Portugal, where they scored three goals.
In a dramatic start to the match, the U.S. took the lead early on due to an own goal by Paraguay’s Damián Bobadilla, marking the first own goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Notably, Hollywood actor Tom Cruise was present in the stands, showing his support for the U.S. national team during this opening game of the tournament.