USA vs Paraguay LIVE: Damian Bobadilla scores own goal! (1-0) USMNT makes 2026 World Cup debut
USA face Paraguay in their 2026 World Cup opener. Follow our live coverage for minute-by-minute updates. Stay with us for full broadcast details and real-time action. Game is underway!
USA face Paraguay in their debut as hosts of the 2026 World Cup, with Mauricio Pochettino’s side looking to make a statement in front of their home fans. The expectations are high, but the squad have embraced the pressure and arrive with confidence after spending valuable time together ahead of the tournament. Game is underway!
USA enter the opener with a fully healthy roster, giving Pochettino the chance to field his strongest lineup. The extra preparation has helped the group build chemistry, and if they start the match with intensity, they will look to turn that momentum into a convincing performance against Paraguay.
Meanwhile, Paraguay complete their return to the World Cup after a remarkable turnaround in the CONMEBOL qualifiers. After collecting just five points from their first six matches, Gustavo Alfaro changed the team’s direction, leading them to impressive victories over Brazil and Argentina and eventually securing a comfortable sixth place to qualify directly for the tournament.
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15' - Yellow card for Gustavo Gomez! (1-0)
Paraguay pick up their second booking of the match as Gustavo Gomez is shown a yellow card for a foul on Folarin Balogun. Both cautions have now gone to Paraguay defenders as USA continue to cause problems in the attacking third.
11' - Yellow card for Juan Jose Caceres! (1-0)
Juan Jose Caceres becomes the first Paraguay player booked after bringing down Christian Pulisic. The referee wastes no time and shows the yellow card as USA continue to put pressure on the visitors.
8' - OWN GOAL BY PARAGUAY! (1-0)
USA take the lead after a brilliant run from Christian Pulisic, who dribbles into the box and creates chaos in the Paraguay defense. The loose ball falls to Weston McKennie, whose pass across the area is turned into the net by Damian Bobadilla after an unfortunate touch, giving the hosts a 1-0 advantage.
USA answer immediately with a quick transition as Sergino Dest and Folarin Balogun combine down the flank. Balogun meets the cross with a first time effort, but Orlando Gill is well positioned and makes a comfortable save to keep the score level.
2' - Paraguay threaten early! (0-0)
Paraguay create the first dangerous chance of the match through a great combination between Diego Gomez and Antonio Sanabria. The striker breaks into the box and tries to beat Matt Freese from a tight angle, but his effort takes a deflection and goes away from danger.
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0' - Game is underway! (0-0)
The 2026 World Cup opener is officially underway as USA and Paraguay get the action started.
Katy Perry takes the stage
Katy Perry is performing at the 2026 World Cup opening ceremony just minutes before kickoff. The American superstar is leading the pre-match celebration as fans inside the stadium build the atmosphere ahead of USA and Paraguay.
Why is Diego Luna not playing tonight?
Diego Luna did not make the final USA squad for the 2026 World Cup, with Mauricio Pochettino opting to prioritize the experience of players based overseas. Despite being a dangerous attacking midfielder who has scored 26 goals in 103 appearances for Real Salt Lake, Luna was left out of the roster for the tournament.
Paraguay will line up as follows: Orlando Gill; Juan Jose Caceres, Gustavo Gomez, Omar Alderete, Junior Alonso; Damian Bobadilla, Andres Cubas, Diego Gomez; Julio Enciso, Miguel Almiron, Antonio Sanabria.
USA will line up in a 5-3-2 formation: Matt Freese; Sergino Dest, Alex Freeman, Chris Richards, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson; Malik Tillman, Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie; Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun.
Start time and how to watch!
USA vs Paraguay will get underway at 9:00 PM ET (PT: 6:00 PM)
The 2026 World Cup opening ceremony is officially underway, with Katy Perry and Future headlining the show. Anitta, LISA, Rema and Tyla complete the international music lineup as fans enjoy the celebration before USA and Paraguay kick off the tournament.
USA and Paraguay clash in 2026 World Cup opener
Welcome to our live blog of the 2026 World Cup!
USA face Paraguay in their tournament debut as the hosts look to begin their campaign with a strong performance in front of their home fans.
Stay with us for key information and minute-by-minute updates as USA and Paraguay battle it out in their opening match.
Emilio Abad is a bilingual journalism graduate from Universidad de Especialidad Espíritu Santo. He joined the Bolavip US team in 2024, bringing with him a deep passion for international soccer and basketball. Emilio has gained valuable experience as a news anchor on a university program and completed an internship at Radio Forever in Guayaquil. He has also covered Liga Pro events in Ecuador, highlighting his expertise in sports reporting. Through these roles, he has built a strong foundation in journalism, with a focus on sports media and storytelling.
