World Cup 2026 Day 2: Group D recap

Day two of the 2026 World Cup concluded with the final co-host kicking off the tournament. The USA played Paraguay in a rematch of a friendly game that ended in an all-out brawl last November. This time around, the two teams battled on the biggest stage ever, and it was a bit of a beatdown, but not with fisticuffs.

General view inside the stadium before the match

DANIEL COLE

World Cup Group D - Matchday 1 (part 1)

USA 4 - 1 Paraguay

Since we are covering the US Men's National Team (USMNT) in depth here on Metro Philly Sports Network, we have a detailed recap of this match available to read.

This game was the best game the USA Men's team has ever played. It might sound a bit hyperbolic, but as of now it's true. The USMNT scored four goals for the first time in a World Cup game. Folarin Balogun scored twice; he's the second American ever to do that in a World Cup game and the first to do it since Bert Patenaude in 1930 (who also scored his brace vs Paraguay). Chris Richards, the key center back for this USA team, completed  83 out of 83 passes; that's the most passes with a 100% accuricy rate in a World Cup match since 1966! 

Christian Pulisic of the U.S. celebrates with teammates their first goal, an own goal scored by Paraguay's Damian Bobadilla

KIYOSHI MIO

There was an injury scare for USA star Christian Pulisic when he was subbed off at halftime after the USA went up 3-0. However, he and head coach Mauricio Pochettino confirmed it was a precautionary sub as he was kicked in the calf and didn't want to aggravate anything.

Paraguay's Mauricio scores their first goal.

Matthew Childs

Paraguay couldn't handle the USA's ability to muddle the midfield. USMNT's press flustered and frustrated Paraguay all night, which led to some of the goals tonight. So too did the USA's ability to control the game with great passing build-up plays. This team is on fire right now and is in pole position to be one of the stories of the tournament, at least right now! Pundits, former players, and fans alike are hyping this USA team up, and the country will likely jump on the bandwagon this summer!

Day 2, Group D, Round-up:

Since the USA got a huge 3 points, they now have an 85-90% chance of advancing from Group D to the knockout rounds! That is crazy to think about, but it's a huge momentum boost for the team. Paraguay now has its work cut out for it, as they desperately need points from its final two matches.

Day three sees the first full day of matches. It's a Saturday of soccer at 3 pm, 6 pm, 9 pm, and midnight Eastern Time! Sit down, relax, and watch the footy, or get out somewhere in the city of Brotherly Love and watch it at one of the amazing establishments showing the World's Game!

MORE: Philly Sport's Network's World Cup Coverage