Damian Bobadilla
Paraguay defender who scored an own goal in the 2026 World Cup opener.
Last refreshed: 14 June 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
How did an own goal in the 7th minute define Paraguay's 2026 World Cup opener?
Timeline for Damian Bobadilla
turned the ball into his own net in the seventh minute
2026 FIFA World Cup: Balogun brace as USA win co-host opener- Who scored the own goal for Paraguay against USA at the 2026 World Cup?
- Damian Bobadilla deflected a Weston McKennie cutback into his own net in the 7th minute of USA vs Paraguay on 12 June 2026 at SoFi Stadium. It was the first own goal of the 2026 tournament.Source: Yahoo Sports / WION News / FIFA
- What club does Damian Bobadilla play for?
- Bobadilla plays for Sao Paulo FC in Brazil's Serie A, having joined in 2024 after progressing through the youth ranks at Cerro Porteno in Paraguay.Source: Wikipedia
- How did the USA beat Paraguay at the 2026 World Cup?
- The USA beat Paraguay 4-1 on 12 June 2026 at SoFi Stadium. The match started with a Bobadilla own goal in the 7th minute and the USA extended their lead with further goals, including a brace from Folarin Balogun.Source: FIFA match report
Background
Damian Bobadilla was Born on 11 July 2001 and came through the youth system at Cerro Porteno in Paraguay before making his professional debut there on 5 May 2021. He moved to Sao Paulo FC in Brazil's Seria A in 2024, establishing himself as a central midfielder with composure beyond his years. He made his senior international debut for Paraguay on 11 June 2024 against Chile and was part of the squad that competed at the 2024 Copa America.
At 24, Bobadilla is one of the younger members of Paraguay's 2026 World Cup squad and represents a new generation of Paraguayan footballers seeking to build on a national team history that includes a 2011 Copa America runner-up finish and multiple World Cup appearances, though Paraguay last qualified for the tournament in 2010. The 2026 edition marked their return to the World Cup stage after a 16-year absence.
In the USA's opening game on 12 June 2026 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Bobadilla deflected a Weston McKennie cutback into his own net in the 7th minute, giving the hosts a stunning early lead. It was the first own goal of the 2026 World Cup and the 55th in World Cup history. The United States went on to win 4-1, with Folarin Balogun among the scorers.
