The last time USA eliminated Paraguay: Clint Dempsey’s magical night

The United States and Paraguay meet again on Day 2 of the 2026 World Cup, but for many USMNT fans, it is impossible to think about this matchup without remembering one of the most important nights of the modern era of the U.S. national team.

It was June 11, 2016, during the group stage of the Copa América Centenario. That night in Philadelphia, Jürgen Klinsmann’s side defeated Paraguay 1-0 to secure a place in the quarterfinals, eliminating La Albirroja in the process. The star of the show was Clint Dempsey.

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The Dempsey goal that changed the game

The United States entered the match needing a result to keep its tournament hopes alive. After opening with a defeat to Colombia and bouncing back with an emphatic win over Costa Rica, the clash with Paraguay had become a virtual knockout game.

The breakthrough came in the 27th minute. Gyasi Zardes burst down the left flank and delivered a pinpoint cross into the box. Dempsey arrived late and finished with composure, beating the Paraguayan goalkeeper to score what would prove to be the only goal of the night.

The strike was another reminder of the leadership and quality of the veteran forward, who was enjoying one of the finest stretches of his international career.

The United States hold firm with 10 men

The second half was anything but comfortable for the hosts. Just moments after the restart, DeAndre Yedlin was sent off after picking up two yellow cards in quick succession, forcing the United States to play nearly the entire half a man down.

Paraguay pushed forward in search of an equalizer and attacked from every angle, but repeatedly ran into a defense that refused to break.

Goalkeeper Brad Guzan produced several crucial saves, while defender John Brooks delivered one of the standout performances of his career, making a series of vital clearances and blocks inside the penalty area. The American resistance became one of the defining memories of that Copa América campaign.

A memory that still resonates

Ten years later, the circumstances are very different. Mauricio Pochettino now leads the United States, and a new generation featuring Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Sergiño Dest is preparing to compete in a home World Cup.

Yet whenever Paraguay appears on the schedule, many American fans are transported back to that night at Lincoln Financial Field.

It was a match defined by grit, determination and resilience. It was also the night Dempsey once again stepped up to deliver, guiding the United States into the next round and securing one of the most memorable victories of the USMNT’s Copa América Centenario run.