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Ricardo Pepi Enters World Cup Debut as USA Routs Paraguay While Zendejas Remains on Bench

Ricardo Pepi came on as a substitute during the United States' dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay in the opening match of World Cup Group D.

Asude Karataş • 13 Haziran 2026 07:00 • 3 dk okuma • 72 görüntülenme

Ricardo Pepi entered the field during the second half of the United States' commanding 4-1 World Cup debut victory over Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium. Alejandro Zendejas, the controversial Mexico-to-USA international, was left unused on the bench throughout the match. The result delivered a dominant opening for the USMNT in Group D, with the fixture marked by sharp tactical substitutions from head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

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The Match and Scoring
Substitution Decisions and Playing Time
Zendejas' Situation

The Match and Scoring

The United States established control early and converted their opportunities with precision. Folarin Balogun registered a double, while Gio Reyna added a third goal. Paraguay's Damian Bobadilla scored an own goal to complete the five-goal tally, though the visitors managed a consolation through Mauricio in a 4-1 defeat. The dominant performance underscored the American squad's technical depth heading into the tournament.

Substitution Decisions and Playing Time

Pochettino deployed a methodical approach to fresh personnel across three substitution windows. At halftime, he brought on Sebastian Berhalter rather than Christian Pulisic. In the 72nd minute, Pepi and Tim Weah entered the field as replacements for Balogun and Sergiho Dest. A third change at the 82nd minute saw Giovanni Reyna replace Malik Tillman, yet Zendejas remained anchored to the bench for the match's final stretch, including seven minutes of added time.

Zendejas' Situation

The exclusion marks an early test for Zendejas following his controversial departure from the Mexican national program. The right winger made a one-time switch in 2022 after Mexico omitted him from its World Cup roster, opting instead for the USMNT. Since joining the American squad in January 2023, Zendejas has accumulated 14 appearances totaling 609 minutes. During that span, he contributed two goals and one assist while accumulating three yellow cards. Upcoming fixtures against Turkey and Australia will provide opportunities for his involvement in Group D play.

What was the final score of the USA versus Paraguay match?+

The United States defeated Paraguay 4-1. Folarin Balogun scored twice, Gio Reyna added one goal, and an own goal by Damian Bobadilla completed the American scoring, with Mauricio providing Paraguay's only goal.

When did Ricardo Pepi enter the match?+

Pepi came onto the field in the 72nd minute as a substitution, replacing Folarin Balogun.

Why is Alejandro Zendejas playing for the United States instead of Mexico?+

Zendejas made a one-time switch in 2022 after Mexico excluded him from its World Cup squad. He officially joined the USMNT in January 2023 following FIFA's change-of-affiliation process.

How many matches has Zendejas played for the USMNT?+

Zendejas has appeared in 14 matches for the United States, accumulating 609 minutes of playing time. He has scored two goals, provided one assist, and received three yellow cards during his tenure with the team.

What are the USMNT's remaining Group D fixtures?+

The United States will face Turkey and Australia in upcoming Group D matches, with both encounters offering opportunities for squad rotation and additional playing time for reserves including Zendejas.

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