USWNT opens 2026 with a 6–0 win over Paraguay as new faces impress in Carson

The U.S. women’s national team launched its 2026 calendar with a dominant 6–0 friendly win over Paraguay at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, using the match to test new combinations and give meaningful minutes to emerging players.

The opening half set the tone, with the United States controlling possession and limiting Paraguay’s ability to build sustained attacks. The breakthrough arrived before halftime, easing pressure and allowing the U.S. to accelerate the tempo after the interval.

In the second half, the U.S. attack surged, stacking goals through quick combinations, wide overloads, and aggressive counter-pressing that kept Paraguay pinned deep. The scoreline reflected not just finishing, but repeated ball recoveries that created short fields and high-quality chances.

The game also served as a snapshot of the program’s transition: younger players showed confidence in front of goal, while established leaders provided structure and pace. Coaches used substitutions to rotate roles and evaluate versatility across several positions.

Beyond the result, the match functioned as an early benchmark for cohesion, decision-making in the final third, and defensive organization against the counter. Paraguay rarely found room behind the U.S. back line, and the American midfield frequently cut off outlets before transitions could develop.

With additional fixtures ahead, the United States will now look to carry the attacking sharpness and depth-building into the next run of friendlies, balancing experimentation with the need to establish reliable patterns as competitive goals approach.