The USMNT had a great start to their World Cup campaign by defeating Paraguay 4-1. If the Stars and Stripes can continue this form, then they have a real opportunity to help grow the sport in their country.
USMNT power rankings at the 2026 World Cup
15. Sergino Dest
Sergino Dest had the difficult role of playing further forward than he is used to. Mauricio Pochettino deployed him on the right wing, which the right-back is not used to. Dest kept wide and got into some good positions. However, he had the touch of a defender when played through on goal and squandered a chance with the USMNT just a goal up against Paraguay.
14. Sebastian Berhalter
Sebastian Berhalter replaced Christian Pulisic at half-time against Paraguay, but did little of note.
13. Matt Freese
Matt Freese had little to do against Paraguay, but still did not keep a clean sheet. However, there was not much he could have done about Mauricio's goal.
12. Ricardo Pepi
Ricardo Pepi came on as a substitute for Folarin Balogun, but missed a good chance. It is unlikely that he will be the starting striker any time soon. However, he is a good option for Pochettino off the bench.
11. Tim Weah
Tim Weah looked lively when he came on against Paraguay. He had an effort on goal which Paraguay's goalkeeper, Orlando Gill, had to get his fingertips to. Weah was also involved in the buildup to Gio Reyna's goal.
10. Alex Freeman
Alex Freeman was drawn inside, which allowed space for Mauricio to score for Paraguay. However, he made amends by setting up Gio Reyna for the goal to secure the victory.
9. Chris Richards
Richards was a great partner for Tim Ream at the back, but was out of position when Paraguay got their goal. Overall, Richards was solid and passed the ball well. He also nearly scored from a corner.
8. Antonee Robinson
Antonee Robinson was solid defensively against Paraguay and got forward when he could. However, he would have liked to have had a goal contribution.
7. Tim Ream
Ream dictated the pace of the game from the back with his excellent passing range. He is now 38, but looks to be ageing like a fine wine.
6. Gio Reyna
Reyna was introduced to the game late on, but he still managed to score one of the best goals of the World Cup so far. Pochettino might need Reyna to unlock Australia's defence in their next game. Reyna is making amends for the drama surrounding him at the 2022 World Cup. He is more mature now and could be a key player for the USMNT at this tournament.
5. Tyler Adams
Defensive midfielders often go unnoticed, but Tyler Adams will get the praise he deserves for the USMNT. He did pick up a booking, which is to be expected for someone in his position.
4. Christian Pulisic
Christian Pulisic managed to skip past some of the Paraguayan defenders as if they were not there. He also set up Balogun's first goal. Pulisic will be the man the USMNT will look to in difficult times. Therefore, it was right for Pochettino to take him off at halftime against Paraguay.
He has not been playing his best for AC Milan recently, but is stepping up on the biggest stage of all. The player was criticized for missing the Gold Cup last summer, but this will be forgotten if he inspires the USMNT at this World Cup.
3. Malik Tillman
With Adams having a more disciplined role, Malik Tillman was able to get forward often. He set up Balogun's second goal with a sublime through ball. Tillman was a presence in the attacking areas.
2. Weston McKennie
Weston McKennie got the USMNT off to a great start when he assisted Damián Bobadilla's own-goal. McKennie is used in a variety of roles for Juventus, but was very effective in the attacking midfield role. McKennie started many attacks when dropping deep. McKennie even popped up out wide to put crosses into the box. He is a big personality for this USMNT roster.
1. Folarin Balogun
Balogun's brace against Paraguay puts him as the joint top goalscorer at the World Cup so far. He would have had a hat-trick but for an offside in the build-up to his disallowed goal. The AS Monaco striker is oozing with confidence as he fired into the top corner with his left foot for his second goal.
His first goal was a very composed finish, too. Balogun was also unselfish in his ability to bring others into the game. Balogun had the difficult decision to choose between playing for the USMNT or trying to break into the England squad. He made the right call, as he is far too talented to be a substitute striker for Harry Kane.
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