Ian Wright backs USMNT to reach semi-finals after 4-1 demolition of Paraguay

Folarin Balogun struck twice and Gio Reyna also got on the scoresheet as the United States opened their home World Cup with a 4-1 victory over Paraguay in Los Angeles, a result that has convinced Ian Wright the hosts can go all the way to the semi-finals.

The former England striker, speaking at the adidas fan zone in Brooklyn Bridge Park, said the performance showed Mauricio Pochettino’s side have the defensive solidity, midfield quality and attacking threat to go deep into the tournament. An own goal completed the scoring as the USMNT delivered one of their most convincing World Cup opening performances in recent memory.

“I think America will get to the semi-finals,” Wright told FourFourTwo. “The reason I say that is because I think they have got a back four that is solid, they have midfielders who play at a good level and we saw with Flo Balogun that he can score goals.”

Wright also pointed to a broader shift in the American sporting public’s attention. The New York Knicks’ NBA championship victory over the San Antonio Spurs — their first title in 53 years — had dominated the nation’s sports conversation in the early days of the tournament, particularly in New York. With the basketball now settled, Wright believes football can command the spotlight it deserves.

“They have a fan base that is now starting to get it,” he added. “Once the Knicks game finished, everyone started to say ‘right, let’s focus on the World Cup.’ I think that if they can continue with that momentum and play like that with that energy with a striker up front taking chances like that then they can get to the semi-final to meet England.”

The USMNT’s next group-stage test comes against Australia, who also began with a winning start, defeating Turkey 2-0. A victory for either side would secure their place in the last 32.

Should the United States reach the semi-finals, it would surpass their best-ever World Cup finish — a quarter-final exit in 2002 — and mark a landmark moment for football in a country that is hosting the tournament for the first time since that same year.