The U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team secured a hard‑fought 2–1 victory over Paraguay national football team in an international friendly held on November 15, 2025 at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania. The win marks another significant step for the United States as it gears up for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, reinforcing confidence in the squad’s depth and preparations.
From the outset, the host team looked sharp. Gio Reyna, returning to the lineup after a long absence, opened the scoring just minutes in with a header off a cross from Max Arfsten. This early goal underscored both Reyna’s potential revival and the team’s attacking intent. Paraguay responded quickly, however, when Álex Arce leveled the match in the 10th minute following a defensive lapse by the U.S. side.
As the game progressed, the U.S. tested Paraguay’s defence repeatedly until the decisive moment came in the 71st minute. A turnover engineered by Diego Luna paved the way for Folarin Balogun to slot home the winner, cementing the United States’ advantage. The match was not without its drama; a flare‑up in stoppage time led to a benches‑clearing melee, during which Paraguay’s Omar Alderete was shown a red card and the U.S.’s Cristian Roldán received a yellow.
This result adds momentum to the U.S. national team’s wider preparations for the 2026 World Cup, which the country is co‑hosting. Under coach Mauricio Pochettino, the squad is experimenting with formations, integrating returning players, and instilling confidence ahead of a major tournament on home soil. The performance suggests that the team is developing resilience and attacking sharpness, though the late‑game altercation highlights the need for composure in high‑stakes matches.
Important though this victory is, it comes with a broader context: the U.S. must maintain consistency, manage fitness, and refine its tactics as it accumulates matches and builds toward the World Cup. Wins like this one bolster morale, validate selection decisions and provide data for staff ahead of roster decisions. At the same time, the team must ensure that moments of discipline‑breakdown (such as the altercation) do not undermine the gains made on the field.
In sum, the 2–1 win over Paraguay on home turf is a positive outcome for the U.S. men’s national team. It showcases promising player performances, effective execution in key moments, and growing confidence in the squad’s direction. As the road to the 2026 World Cup continues, this win will be remembered as one of the building blocks toward a major summer of competition.