Pulisic & McKennie link-up for USA vs Paraguay as Bobadilla own-goal puts hosts in front

Serie A duo Weston McKennie and Christian Pulisic helped get the USA off to a flying start in their 2026 World Cup opener, combining in a neat piece of play that saw São Paulo defender Damian Bobadilla deflect the ball into his own net.

Milan forward Pulisic did fantastically well in the build-up with an impressive burst of pace into the box, before laying the ball back to Juventus ’ McKennie, whose attempt to flick across the face of goal saw the ball ricochet off Bobadilla’s foot into the Paraguay goal.

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 31: Christian Pulisic of United States scores his team’s second goal against Mory Diaw of Senegal during the international friendly match between United States and Senegal at Bank of America Stadium on May 31, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Pulisic has shown a statement of intent in front of a home crowd, as the USA look to get their home campaign off to a winning start.

THE FIRST GOAL FOR THE # USMNT IN THE FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 pic.twitter.com/pvMAukJCou