The United States starts the 2026 World Cup in style with a 4-1 win against Paraguay: are they now among the world's top?

If there were any doubts about whether the United States was ready for the pressure of hosting the 2026 World Cup, they were erased in 45 glittering minutes against Paraguay. After a show full of glitter and stars - with a performance by Katy Perry and movie stars such as Tom Cruise in the stands - the team kept a cool head. Three goals in a dazzling first half, followed by a fine fourth from Gio Reyna in injury time, resulted in a 4-1 win and a dream start in Group D.

The development under national coach Mauricio Pochettino, who has been at the helm for more than a year and a half, is starting to visibly bear fruit. Former goalkeeper Tony Meola already saw it coming: according to him, the United States has grown into a fully-fledged football nation, with players all over the world, a mature competition and top facilities. The 4-1 is also historic: it is the first World Cup victory with a margin of three goals since 1930.

The tone was set before half time in Los Angeles, with 71% possession as an illustration of the dominance. The team looked fit, sharp and hungry, and was supported by an audience that showed great enthusiasm. Analysts praised the momentum: Ellen White called the performance “incredible” and said that the team embraced the pressure and took the crowd along.


Pochettino's hand was clearly visible: pressing high, playing forward and not letting opponents breathe for a moment. This suits the composition of the selection: 17 of the 26 internationals play in the five largest European competitions, seven of whom in the Premier League. The Argentinian coach also wants to get rid of underdog thinking. “Why not us?” he asked earlier this year. Dreaming is allowed, but at the same time he warns that nothing has been won and that consistency over several duels will be decisive.

The win against Paraguay sets the tone for the remaining group matches against Turkey and Australia. While the run-up in the city did not have the atmosphere of a major tournament everywhere, this visibly changed on match day: on subways, in bars and coffee shops, the United States shirts predominated.

A side note: the vulnerability when key players disappear. Christian Pulisic – with an important assist in the first half – remained in the dressing room after the break as a precaution after a tap on the calf in the run-up to the game. Folarin Balogun, who scored twice, left the field just under twenty minutes before the end. Without them, control remained, but the threat was less great. Pochettino reported afterwards that Pulisic's substitution was preventive and expressed the hope that he will be available for the next game.

The ambitions are clear, but so are the standards. Stronger resistance will follow if the United States wants to go far. Former international Ashley Williams points out that Pochettino was appointed with this tournament in mind and that the selection has enough quality to go far. Pochettino himself tempers the euphoria: only at a quarter or semi-final can we speak of a real tournament surprise. For now, there is mainly a convincing kick-off – and a country that believes there is more to come.