Gregg Berhalter sets benchmark for USMNT World Cup success
Gregg Berhalter believes advancing to the World Cup quarterfinals is a huge accomplishment for the USMNT and a landmark moment for American soccer.
Editor’s note: Follow the 2026 World Cup live opening match and star-studded opening formula!
The U.S. Men’s National Team opened the 2026 World Cup with a 4-1 victory over Paraguay on Friday, June 12, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino has fully replenished the players at his disposal with Chris Richards returning to the lineup. His addition in place of Miles Robinson was the only change from the team that started against Germany.
The Americans got off to a dream start, with Weston McKennie forcing an own goal from Paraguay’s Damien Bobadilla after just seven minutes. From then on, the Americans dominated the first half, dominated the ball and took the lead for nearly 30 minutes.
Folarin Balogun clinically finished a pass from Christian Pulisic to double the lead. The Monaco striker capped off a perfect opening 45 minutes with two goals and the score went into the second half 3-0.
The only concern for the United States in this game was when Pulisic was substituted at halftime after being kicked in the calf. The level of play in the second half was not as high as the first, and Paraguay got a goal back with 20 minutes remaining. Gio Reyna restored the three-goal lead with the final kick of the game, giving his team a big win.
The USMNT’s next game will be against Australia in Seattle on Friday, June 19th.
Let’s take a look at how the USMNT players performed in their first World Cup win.
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GK: Matt Frees – 6
He had nothing to do but pick the ball out of the goal net as Paraguay were outplayed for most of the match.
RWB: Serginho Dest – 7
With the Americans dominating play, Dest was able to play as a de facto winger. He was still a dangerous presence, getting into great positions in the attack and causing problems. If he’s going to continue to get clear scoring opportunities, he needs to be more efficient in those situations.
RCB: Alex Freeman – 7.5
Is he a right back? Is he a center back? Does it matter? He seems to be everywhere on the field fighting to get the ball back. His energy and tenacity helped set the tone.
CCB: Chris Richards – 6.5
It is clear that he will be greatly missed from a leadership and structure standpoint. Oh yeah, he’s really good too. He established himself as one of the most valuable players on this team.
LCB: Tim Ream – 6
There were some nerve-wracking moments, but none of them turned into a threat. The rest of the performance was anonymous.
LWB: Anthony Robinson – 7
The Jedi are at their best when they can move up and down the sides freely, as they did in this match. He was in huge spaces all night and came close to tangible reward in the form of a goal or an assist several times.
CM: Tyler Adams – 6.5
Other than a silly yellow card and some questionable moments in possession, it was a great performance for the midfield leader. He will have to be smarter if he is to avoid risking a yellow card for the rest of the tournament.
CM: Weston McKennie – 7.5
Weston McKennie has always been an influence in midfield and his best season of his career spilled over into the World Cup. His nomadic role takes him all over the field and fits perfectly into this style of play.
RW: Malik Tillman – 8
It was questionable whether Tillman would start in the opening game. He answered that question with a brilliant performance that included everything but his goal contribution. He was active throughout the attack, appearing in a variety of places and creating chances.
Forward: Folarin Balogun – 9
The United States has been waiting for a long time for a proper striker to rely on in big games. Balogun proved that he is the man for the job in this game as he successfully achieved two clinical goals that sent SoFi Stadium into a frenzy. If this is the tone he exudes all summer, it could be a very long time for the American.
LW: Christian Pulisic – 8.5
It was an exciting 45 minutes for Pulisic before he was sent off at half-time. It was impossible for Paraguay to handle him on the left side, because whenever he touched the ball, something good happened for America. It was his brilliant dribbling that led to his own goal at the start of the match. He then set up Balogun’s second goal of the match.
Pulisic is in top form and makes this team very dangerous. He said, “I’m taking a little bit of precaution today, but I hope it’s okay.”
Sub: Sebastian Berhalter – 6
There was no sense of discomfort even though he came on as a substitute. He briefly had a chance to make a name for himself in right field, but missed a long-distance chip attempt. It’s clear Pochettino rates him highly, as he was the first name off the bench.
Sub: Ricardo Pepi – 5.5
He missed a great chance and missed one more. If we want to have a chance at the World Cup, we have to take advantage of it.
Sub: Tim Ware – 6
After playing, there was nothing to do except run up and down the sides.
Sub: Gio Reyna – 8
After coming on, he did little until he scored an absolute banger with the outside of his foot on the final touch of the match.
