USMNT delivers pre-World Cup statement with friendly victory against Paraguay

USMNT Triumphs Against Paraguay in Pre-World Cup Friendly

CHESTER, Pa. — It was a challenging day for Gio Reyna as he aimed for a spot on the U.S. team for the 2026 World Cup.

Meanwhile, Folarin Balogun looked to build on his strong club performances, and for the U.S. men’s national team, this match was a crucial opportunity to illustrate progress as the World Cup looms less than eight months away.

A 2-1 victory in a friendly against Paraguay, held just south of Philadelphia, served to highlight those aspirations.

Reyna, marking a solid return with the U.S. emblem on his chest, scored the opening goal with a powerful header just four minutes into the match.

Balogun found the net next, putting the U.S. ahead 2-1 in the 71st minute, capitalizing on a loose ball in the box past Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gil.

This match was a significant test for the U.S. They faced a Paraguayan squad that has already secured a spot in the World Cup, giving the Americans a glimpse of the challenges that await them next summer.

In the first half, the USMNT held possession slightly more often, with 54 percent of the ball and managing to land 2 out of 4 shots on target.

Both Reyna and Sergino Dest proved problematic for Paraguay’s defense throughout the evening.

It was Reyna, who at one point was viewed as a key figure for the U.S. men’s program yet hadn’t been called up for eight months, who opened the scoring.

He received a cross from the right, leaped, and headed it under the crossbar, celebrating his first headed goal at any level, club or national, amidst an enthusiastic embrace from his teammates.

At 23, he’s one of the standout narratives in this team camp, following a tumultuous experience during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. His teammates rallied around him, offering support throughout the week, including Christian Pulisic, who shared his thoughts in an interview with CBS Sports Golazo.

Paraguay equalized in the 10th minute, thanks to a goal from Alex Arce.

In the latter part of the match, as the U.S. attempted to push forward, Balogun scored the go-ahead goal after a broken play; his initial pass was blocked, but he managed to follow up and place the ball in the net.

The match had its moments of intensity, with a physical confrontation occurring late in the game. A tussle between Gustavo Gomez and Alex Freeman near the sideline escalated, leading to several players rushing in to confront one another.