Friday night was one of the more unforgettable nights in U.S. men’s national team history.

Between the passion, the performance and the outcome to kick off the 2026 World Cup on home soil, it’s hard to think of many better occasions for the program on such a stage — which got us to thinking: where did the 4-1 victory over Paraguay rank in terms of all-time USMNT World Cup wins?

Before we get into the rankings, let’s establish the criteria. This isn’t simply a ranking of the best opponents the U.S. has beaten at a World Cup. I’m weighing four factors: the magnitude of the occasion, the quality of the opponent, the quality of the performance, and the lasting — or potential lasting — impact on soccer in the United States.

And just to get ahead of it: before anyone reminds me about the famous 1950 victory over England, yes, I know. It remains one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history. But the reality is that the U.S. didn’t qualify for another World Cup afterwards until 1990! As historic and unexpected as that win was, it didn’t spark the sustained growth of the game in America the way many of the matches on this list did (the U.S. finished bottom of its 1950 group, too).

That’s why I’ve chosen to focus on the modern era of U.S. Soccer.

With that in mind, here’s my list, counting down from No. 5:

5. USA 3-2 Portugal (2002 group stage)

This was the toughest match to place.

From a pure performance perspective, it may have been the most impressive result in U.S. Soccer history at the time. Portugal arrived with world-class talent — including 2000 Ballon d’Or winner Luis Figo — and legitimate aspirations of winning the tournament.

The U.S. stunned the world by racing to a 3-0 lead within 36 minutes and completely overwhelming one of the strongest teams in the competition. Portugal eventually scored twice, setting up a nervy finish, but that shouldn’t overshadow what happened for most of the match.

For one half in the South Korean city of Suwon, the U.S. played some of the best soccer it has ever produced on the World Cup stage.

4. USA 4-1 Paraguay (2026 group stage)

What a statement with the entire nation watching. Opening a (mostly) home World Cup with a win is one thing. Delivering a performance like this is another.

The pressure surrounding this first match was immense, yet the U.S. played with confidence, intensity and purpose from the opening whistle. It wasn’t a narrow escape or a lucky result. It was a dominant performance, complete with the most goals the U.S. men have ever scored in a World Cup game, in any era. The U.S. scored three goals in the entirety of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, across four matches. It surpassed that total Friday night.

For millions of Americans, this will be their first meaningful World Cup memory. That’s exactly what the U.S.-hosted 1994 tournament was for my generation.

If the team goes on a deep run from here, Friday’s victory could climb even higher on this list over time — though it could also fall if it’s not followed by more success.

Weston McKennie serves in a cross during the USMNT’s rout of Paraguay (Richard Heathcote / Getty Images)

3. USA 1-0 Algeria (2010 group stage)

If we’re ranking based on pure emotion, this is probably No. 1.

Landon Donovan’s stoppage-time winner remains the most iconic goal in USMNT history. It sent the U.S. into the knockout stage in South Africa as group winners, ahead of England, and produced one of the most unforgettable sporting moments this country has ever seen.

From a soccer standpoint, the performance in Pretoria itself wasn’t as dominant as some of the other matches on this list. But moments matter.

That goal inspired an entire generation of players and fans… and still gives me goosebumps every time I watch it.

2. USA 2-1 Colombia (1994 group stage)

This result doesn’t always get the appreciation it deserves from younger generations.

Colombia arrived at the 1994 World Cup as one of the tournament favorites, after famously defeating Argentina 5-0 in Buenos Aires during qualifying. Meanwhile, the U.S. was trying to prove that soccer could succeed on the biggest stage in America. The pressure was enormous.

This victory at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena wasn’t just an upset. It helped legitimize the sport in this country and contributed to the momentum that eventually led to the launch and growth of Major League Soccer.

Few wins have had a greater impact on the future of soccer in the United States.

Landon Donovan heads in the USA’s second goal vs. Mexico in the 2002 World Cup’s round of 16 (Greg Wood / AFP / Getty Images)

1. USA 2-0 Mexico (2002 round of 16)

The greatest “Dos a Cero” of them all. Nothing tops this one.

The U.S. beat its biggest rival in a World Cup knockout-phase match, advanced to the quarterfinals, and delivered one of the most complete performances in program history. The occasion in Jeonu, South Korea, was massive, the opponent was familiar and the stakes couldn’t have been higher.

Add in the rivalry and the fact that Mexico still references this day whenever these teams meet, and it’s hard to put anything else at No. 1.

The defining World Cup victory in USMNT history… so far.