Key facts
- The US Men's National Team defeated Paraguay 4-1 in their 2026 World Cup opening match.
- Gio Reyna scored a remarkable goal in added time, finishing a 70-second, 26-pass team sequence.
- The goal has been hailed as one of the best team goals in the tournament's history.
- Coach Mauricio Pochettino's team has now scored more goals than the US did in the entire 2022 World Cup.
- President Donald Trump acknowledged the US team's victory on social media.
The United States Men's National Team secured a resounding 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup, with Gio Reyna scoring a goal described as potentially one of the best in the tournament's history.
Deep into added time, the US team executed a stunning 70-second, 26-pass sequence that left Paraguay's players unable to touch the ball. Reyna, who came on as an 82nd-minute substitute, finished the move with a curling shot past the goalkeeper. Analyst Stu Holden praised the play as one of the best back-to-front team goals the country and team have ever produced.
The goal drew comparisons to Carlos Alberto's iconic strike for Brazil against Italy in the 1970 World Cup final, which also ended 4-1 and occurred late in the match. The US team's performance was significant against a Paraguayan side that had a strong defensive record during qualification.
President Donald Trump congratulated the US team on their win via his social media platform. Coach Mauricio Pochettino, who took over the team in 2024, has expressed high ambitions for the World Cup, with "Why not us?" as a team motto. He emphasized the importance of the extended preparation time allowing him to coach the players, highlighting Reyna's goal as an example of his focus on collective effort.
Reyna's goal was also seen as a triumphant moment following controversy during the 2022 World Cup. Pochettino's decision to include Reyna in the squad, despite limited recent club starts, was bold. Reyna's celebration, with hands over his ears, may have alluded to the noise surrounding him since the last tournament.
The USMNT has a history of memorable goals, including Paul Caligiuri's 1989 strike and Eric Wynalda's 1994 free kick, though the debate will continue whether Reyna's goal surpasses them.