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What history says about the USMNT World Cup future after winning its 2026 tournament opener originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
It just might be called soccer after all.
Team USA looked dominant in its 4-1 opening-match victory of the 2026 World Cup against Paraguay and cast aside any pre-tournament doubts the soccer crowd had. Mauricio Pochettino's first game managing the U.S. side was close to flawless, despite allowing a late goal in the 73rd minute. Along with taking home the victory, the USMNT scored four goals for the first time in a World Cup game and matched its largest margin of victory ever at the tournament.
When the United States wins its opening match, success usually follows. Just how far has the U.S. progressed when it takes home the victory after the first 90 minutes end?
Here's how the USMNT has historically done at the World Cup if it wins its first game.
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How many times has the USMNT won its World Cup opener?
Throughout the U.S. national team's history at the World Cup, which includes 12 appearances at the tournament, the Stars and Stripes have now emerged victorious in four opening matches. Friday's match against Paraguay was the team's first win at an opening game since the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Along with those four wins, the team has also tied twice in their first group-stage match (2022 vs. Wales and 2010 vs. England).
MORE: Why did Pochettino sub Christian Pulisic off at halftime?
How does USMNT traditionally perform after winning its opener?
Winning the opening match of a World Cup is a bright start for any team, the U.S. included. Historically speaking, it virtually guarantees advancement into the knockout stages, which is the following round after the group stage.
Here is how the USMNT has fared after taking three points in their opening match at the World Cup:
| Year | Opening score and opponent | Finish |
| 2026 | W, 4-1 vs. Paraguay | TBD |
| 2014 | W, 2-1 vs. Ghana | Round of 16 |
| 2002 | W, 3-2 vs. Portugal | Quarterfinals |
| 1930 | W, 3-0 vs. Belgium | Semifinals |
MORE:What to know about Folarin Balogun and the goals he scored against Paraguay
USMNT World Cup schedule
After a dominant opening 4-1 victory over Paraguay, here are the teams that lie ahead for the USMNT during this year's World Cup group stage:
| Date | Time (ET) | Match | Location |
| Fri, Jun. 12 | — | United States 4-1 Paraguay | SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA) |
| Fri, Jun. 19 | 3 p.m. | United States vs. Australia | Lumen Field (Seattle, WA) |
| Thu, Jun. 25 | 10 p.m. | Turkey vs. United States | SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA) |
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