The United States Men’s National Team got its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign off to a flying start on Friday (June 12) night, defeating Paraguay 4-1 in a commanding Group D performance.

Helping lead the way was 2023 SAI Academy graduate Alex Freeman, who delivered an impressive performance on the world’s biggest stage.

Freeman was a stalwart defensively throughout the match and also made a major impact going forward from his spot on the backline. The Villarreal CF defender played a key pass that helped unlock the opening goal for the United States and later registered an assist on Gio Reyna’s goal that sealed the 4-1 victory.

The result puts the United States atop Group D with three points and a +3 goal differential after the opening round of matches.

The United States will look to build on its strong start when it faces Australia on June 19 at 3:00 p.m. EST. The match will be broadcast nationally on FOX.

For SAI Academy, Freeman’s performance is another milestone in an incredible journey that has taken him from graduation in 2023 to representing his country at the FIFA World Cup just three years later.

Start your journey with SAI just like Alex. Train more. Learn smarter. Learn more at: saiacademy.com/e-learning