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U.S. Beats Paraguay 4-1, Balogun Nets Two

6/17/2026

Summary

USA Beats Paraguay

The U.S. team beat Paraguay 4–1 on June 12, 2026 at SoFi Stadium.
Balogun’s two goals and Reyna’s stoppage-time fourth completed the scoring.
The team recorded 112 high-defensive actions and an 80.5% field tilt, posting a +1.52 adjusted-goal differential with 54 penalty-area touches, the fourth-best opening mark since 1998.
16 million watched, with Kansas City leading TV markets at 9.2% of households and nine of ten outfielders playing for European clubs.

Summary

USA Secures Top

FIFA’s tie-breaking rule makes head-to-head results, so a U.S. win over Australia secures top spot.
The United States faces Australia on June 19 at Seattle’s Lumen Field, which could aid Christian Pulisic (U.S. forward) after left-calf knock.
Sportsbooks list the United States as -170 favorites with 2.5-goal over/under and a -1.5 spread (+146).
A Group D win would keep the team on West Coast for Round of 32 in Santa Clara, finish since 2010.

History

Historical Context

After FIFA awarded the 1994 World Cup to the United States on July 4 1988, the tournament set attendance records with 3.6 million spectators and introduced large-capacity venues, sparking nationwide interest and the creation of Major League Soccer. That legacy of high-attendance, indoor matches and media exposure underpins expectations for the United States as a host in the upcoming 2026 competition.

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USA Beats Paraguay

The U.S. team beat Paraguay 4–1 on June 12, 2026 at SoFi Stadium.
Balogun’s two goals and Reyna’s stoppage-time fourth completed the scoring.
The team recorded 112 high-defensive actions and an 80.5% field tilt, posting a +1.52 adjusted-goal differential with 54 penalty-area touches, the fourth-best opening mark since 1998.
16 million watched, with Kansas City leading TV markets at 9.2% of households and nine of ten outfielders playing for European clubs.

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