United States Advances, Brazil Recovers, Paraguay Makes Unwanted World Cup History

The second round of the 2026 World Cup group stage continued overnight with four more matches. The United States sealed its place in the round of 32, Brazil bounced back from its opening stumble, Morocco moved closer to qualification, and Paraguay recorded an unwanted piece of history while still earning a crucial win.

In the headline match, the United States beat Australia 2-0 and clinched first place in the group. Cameron Burgess scored an own goal in the 11th minute, and Alex Freeman doubled the lead with a close-range header. It was the first time since 2002 that the U.S. has recorded more than one win in a World Cup.

Morocco kept up its strong form with a 1-0 victory over Scotland. Ismail Saibari, who also scored against Brazil in the opening round, struck in the second minute, and Morocco protected the lead through a tactical, even match to collect three points that leave it very close to the next stage.

Brazil, after a disappointing draw with Morocco, responded with a comfortable 3-0 win over Haiti. Matheus Cunha scored twice in the 23rd and 36th minutes, the second from a Vinicius Junior assist, and Vinicius added a goal in first-half stoppage time. Carlo Ancelotti celebrated his first World Cup win as Brazil coach, though the team still needs to finish the job in the final round.

The night’s most unusual story came from Paraguay’s 1-0 win over Turkey. Matias Galarza scored the winner in the second minute, but the defining moment came in first-half stoppage time, when Miguel Almiron was sent off after covering his mouth, making him the first player at the 2026 World Cup to be dismissed for that kind of offense. Despite being a man down, Paraguay held on for its first World Cup win since 2010, while Turkey suffered a second straight loss and became the first team in the group mathematically eliminated from the tournament after only two rounds.