Ahead of the crucial Game 5 tip-off of the NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks, the United States had a big reason to celebrate as the men’s soccer team beat Paraguay 4-1 to start its 2026 World Cup campaign.
The impressive display from Mauricio Pochettino’s squad and the final scoreline caught the attention of NBA circles across social media on Friday.
How the NBA World Reacted to Team USA’s Historic World Cup Win Over Paraguay
Team USA was imposing start to finish on Friday, setting a new team record with four goals in a single World Cup match. The breakthrough came just seven minutes into the game when Paraguay’s Damián Bobadilla scored an own goal, marking the third-fastest World Cup goal by a host nation in its opening match.
Team USA’s Folarin Balogun then took control of the game, scoring twice before halftime to strengthen its grip on the match. The 24-year-old’s brace helped Team USA to a historic three-goal first half, making him the first USMNT player since 1930 to score multiple goals in a World Cup match.
The win gave the United States a dream start to its first home World Cup in 32 years, and social media quickly erupted with reactions.
NBA analyst Skip Bayless even used the result as an opportunity to poke fun at the Dallas Cowboys.
“I don’t closely follow World Cup buildup, but from what I just saw, either Team USA is better than I expected – a true contender – or Paraguay’s defense is no better than last year’s Cowboys’,” Bayless tweeted.
I don’t closely follow World Cup buildup, but from what I just saw, either Team USA is better than I expected – a true contender – or Paraguay’s defense is no better than last year’s Cowboys’.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) June 13, 2026
“Regardless if you like soccer or not, if you’re not watching these World Cup games you’re missing out,” popular basketball content creator and analyst Brad wrote.
“Just for perspective, any win at the World Cup is rare for the USA. Tonight was only their 8th World Cup win since 1930,” Mike Conti, brand manager of Sports Radio 92.9, tweeted.
Even the official Golden State Warriors account joined the celebration, sharing a post featuring an iconic Stephen Curry celebration while cheering on Team USA.
“Team USA beginning a world competition got us thinking about…..Go be great,” the Warriors page posted.
Team USA beginning a world competition got us thinking about…..
Go be great @USMNT 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/C92jnCGCbP
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) June 13, 2026
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio attended the match alongside Santiago Peña and Gianni Infantino, with many celebrities also in attendance. Team USA will next face Australia on June 19 in Seattle, with optimism surrounding the team continuing to grow.
A popular fan page dedicated to LeBron James sparked discussion by asking whether the United States could make a deep run in the tournament.
“Is there any chance at the US making it far in the world cup?”
Meanwhile, one response captured the confidence many fans were feeling after the win.
“Playing like this? Bring me Germany, France, Spain,” the user asserted.
Playing like this? Bring me Germany, France, Spain
— fleqks (@Fleqks) June 13, 2026
Meanwhile, NBA fans, especially the Knicks faithful, eagerly look forward to the Spurs vs. Knicks Game 5, as New York finds itself just one win away from winning its first championship since 1973.
During Game 4, San Antonio looked destined to level the series. However, a second-half collapse saw the Knicks create history with their 29-point comeback to take an all-important 3-1 lead.
Despite the heartbreaking loss, Spurs star Victor Wembanyama remained defiant about San Antonio’s chances of stopping New York’s charge and making a comeback.
