Dempsey’s late finish ended Paraguay’s Copa run

A decade after the United States sent Paraguay home with a 1-0 win in the Copa América Centenario group stage, the memory still follows USMNT fans into every matchup. June 11, 2016, in Philadelphia: Gyasi Zardes’ cross, Clint Dempsey’s composed finish, and a t

The last time the United States eliminated Paraguay, the celebration didn’t start with relief. It started with a goal—one that felt like it arrived exactly when the game demanded it.

On June 11. 2016. during the group stage of the Copa América Centenario. Jürgen Klinsmann’s United States beat La Albirroja 1-0 in Philadelphia. at Lincoln Financial Field. to secure a place in the quarterfinals and eliminate Paraguay in the process. For many USMNT fans, it remains one of the most important nights of the modern era of the national team.

The breakthrough came in the 27th minute, and it was built from speed down the left. Gyasi Zardes burst forward and delivered a pinpoint cross into the box. Clint Dempsey arrived late and finished with composure, beating the Paraguayan goalkeeper to score the only goal of the night.

That finish wasn’t just decisive—it was the kind of moment that underlined why Dempsey mattered in big games. The strike served as another reminder of the leadership and quality of the veteran forward, during a stretch that was among the finest of his international career.

Then the night tightened.

The United States had barely kicked off the second half when DeAndre Yedlin was sent off after picking up two yellow cards in quick succession. It meant nearly the entire half would be played with the hosts down a man.

Paraguay pushed forward, searching for an equalizer and attacking from every angle. But the breakthrough never came. Time after time, the visitors ran into a defense that refused to give ground.

Brad Guzan stood between the posts and produced several crucial saves as Paraguay pressed. Defender John Brooks delivered one of the standout performances of his career. making vital clearances and blocks inside the penalty area. The American resistance became one of the defining memories of that Copa América Centenario campaign.

Ten years later. the matchup is on the calendar again—this time on Day 2 of the 2026 World Cup. when the United States and Paraguay meet once more. The storylines around the USMNT are completely different now. Mauricio Pochettino leads the team. and a new generation—including Christian Pulisic. Weston McKennie. and Sergiño Dest—is preparing for a home World Cup.

But every time Paraguay’s name appears, many American fans travel back to June 11, 2016.

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

USMNT Paraguay Copa América Centenario Clint Dempsey Gyasi Zardes DeAndre Yedlin Brad Guzan John Brooks Lincoln Financial Field World Cup 2026