Saturday, 13 June

2026 FIFA World Cup: USMNT dominates as North American hosts stay unbeaten in openers

Sports News
Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG (Pic): Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun celebrate a USMNT goal

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially underway, and the three host nations — the United States, Mexico, and Canada — have collectively laid down a solid marker.

Following a flurry of opening group-stage matches across the continent, none of the host countries have tasted defeat.

From the rampant offensive displays in California to grinding tactical battles north and south of the border, here is how the three co-hosts have fared so far in their respective groups.

United States (Group D)

Result: USA 4 – 1 Paraguay

Next Opponent: Group D fixtures ongoing

The U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT) produced the most explosive performance of the hosts so far, dismantling a defensively minded Paraguay side 4-1 at Los Angeles Stadium.

An early own goal by Paraguay's Damián Bobadilla gave the Americans a flying start, before Folarin Balogun took center stage with a ruthless first-half brace. 

While Paraguay's Maurício pulled one back in the 72nd minute to briefly make things tense, second-half substitute Giovanni Reyna sealed the emphatic victory with a stoppage-time strike. 

The win puts the U.S. in complete control of Group D early on.

Mexico (Group A)

Result: Mexico 2 – 0 South Africa

Next Opponent: Group A fixtures ongoing

Playing under the immense weight of expectation at the historic Estadio Azteca, Mexico safely navigated their opening match in Group A with a convincing 2-0 victory over South Africa.

Feeding off the energy of a boisterous home crowd, El Tri dictated the tempo from the opening whistle. Their defensive discipline stifled South Africa's counter-attacking threats, while two clinical finishes ensured a smooth three points.

Mexico’s strong start puts them in an ideal position to progress out of Group A as they look to maximize their home-field advantage.

Canada (Group B)

Result: Canada 1 – 1 Bosnia and Herzegovina

Next Opponent: Qatar (June 18)

History was made as Canada hosted its first-ever Men's World Cup match, grinding out a hard-fought 1-1 draw against a physical Bosnia and Herzegovina side in Group B.

The Canadians relied heavily on their explosive transitional pace, but found it difficult to completely break down a highly organised Bosnian backline.

While they will format tonight as a missed opportunity for all three points on home soil, the single point keeps them very much alive. Canada will look to claim their first win of the tournament when they face Qatar at BC Place in Vancouver on June 18.

Source: classfmonline.com