World Cup 2026: United States wins big, Canada held to a draw

The 2026 World Cup group stage continued with host nation the United States opening with a dominant 4-1 win over Paraguay. Paraguay's Bobadilla scored an own goal in the 7th minute, and Balogun added two more goals in first-half stoppage time to put the Americans ahead 3-0. Mauricio pulled one back in the 78th minute, but the U.S. sealed the result in stoppage time, taking a major step toward the next round thanks in part to goal difference.

The other two teams in Group D, Turkey and Australia, are scheduled to meet Saturday morning. In another host nation's match, Canada was frustrated by Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bosnia took a 1-0 lead in the first half through a goal by Lukić, and Canada equalized in the 78th minute.

In Group B, Switzerland, the favorite to finish first, was leading Qatar 1-0 after a successful penalty by Embolo in the 17th minute. Later in the night, Brazil, with its full complement of stars, was set to face Morocco, described as Africa's champion or runner-up depending on interpretation and a semifinalist at the previous World Cup.

In the early hours, Haiti, with Pierrot, formerly of Maccabi Haifa, was due to play Scotland in a matchup of Group C's underdogs.