USMNT Sends Pre-World Cup Message as Gio Reyna Shines in 2-1 Win Over Paraguay

Jonathan Turner
3 days ago
2 min read

NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com

CHESTER, Pa. — The U.S. Men’s National Team delivered a confident pre-World Cup statement on Saturday night, defeating Paraguay 2–1 in a spirited friendly at Subaru Park. With fewer than eight months remaining before the 2026 World Cup, the performance offered a glimpse into the form and mentality the Americans aim to carry into the tournament.

Reyna Opens the Scoring in His Return

Gio Reyna wasted no time making an impact, scoring in just the 4th minute with a well-placed header — his first goal for the national team in nearly two years. The moment was symbolic: a player once considered the future of the program re-emerging with purpose after months of uncertainty. His movement, link-up play, and confidence in 1v1 situations kept Paraguay under constant pressure.

Reyna emphasized that the goal was only part of a bigger picture, noting that consistent club and national-team form will be key to his World Cup ambitions.

Balogun Continues His Hot Form

The match-winner came in the 71st minute when Folarin Balogun capitalized on a loose ball in the box and smashed home the go-ahead goal. The finish extended the form he has shown with his club side, reinforcing his place as the team’s first-choice striker heading into 2026.

Balogun praised Reyna’s performance, pointing to the midfielder’s composure and attitude throughout the camp.

Physical Match Builds Late Tension

Paraguay equalized early through Alex Arce after a defensive lapse in the 10th minute, but the U.S. controlled much of the match with over 50% possession and steady pressure in the attacking third.

The contest grew heated in the closing minutes. A touchline confrontation escalated into a brief scuffle between both teams, resulting in multiple yellow cards and a red card to Paraguay’s Omar Alderete. Despite the tension, the U.S. maintained composure to secure the win.

Pochettino’s Assessment

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino acknowledged the strong performance but stressed that the group must continue to sharpen every detail as the World Cup approaches.

He noted the squad’s quality, competitiveness, and the importance of maintaining momentum while addressing areas that still need improvement.

Big-Picture Takeaways for the USMNT

Reyna’s return and goal provide a major boost for a midfield looking for creativity.
Balogun’s decisive finishing further solidifies the U.S. attack.
The team’s possession and chance creation showed encouraging direction under Pochettino.
Defensive focus and discipline remain areas to tighten up before competitive matches resume.

The win capped a productive international window and served as a reminder that the U.S. intends to enter the World Cup with confidence — and with emerging stars stepping into major roles.