'The worst streaker in history of sport' gets taken out by security second after stepping on pitch

Chris Waddle gives his take on England's squad at the World Cup

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GB NEWS

Lewis Henderson

By Lewis Henderson


Published: 13/06/2026

- 12:09

The pitch invader barely took a step before being tackled

A streaker endured an embarrassing moment after being taken out by security the second he made it to the side of the pitch between the United States and Paraguay.

The ill-fated stunt unfolded at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, where approximately 70,000 supporters had gathered to watch Mauricio Pochettino's side deliver an impressive opening tournament performance.


Goals from former Arsenal man Folarin Balogun, who netted twice, Giovanni Reyna with a skilful trivela strike, and a Paraguay own goal secured the emphatic victory.

Towards the conclusion of the match, the man clambered over a glass barrier at the edge of the stands and began pacing back and forth along a platform, seemingly psyching himself up for the jump.

Pitch invader

The pitch invader lasted merely a second before being taken out

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TWITCH/JASONTHEWEEN

Clad entirely in black and gripping a red and white ball, he found himself more than two metres above the grass below.

Security personnel immediately spotted the would-be invader, and dozens of staff positioned themselves on the turf, monitoring his movements closely.

After running up and down the platform several times, the fan finally committed to his ill-conceived plan, launching himself feet-first directly into the assembled security team.

Within moments, multiple officers had tackled him to the ground.

Pitch invader

Security was ready to take out the pitch invader the second he stepped down from the stands

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TWITCH/JASONTHEWEEN

As the man was pinned down, fellow spectators made their feelings abundantly clear, pelting him with beer and cups from the stands above.

"You f****** idiot," one supporter who had been filming the incident shouted repeatedly, while another fan bellowed: "You dumb***, what the f***!"

One social media user dubbed the pitch invader as "the worst streaker in the history of sport".

Fifa and stadium officials remain vigilant throughout the tournament, given the potential dangers posed by those who breach security cordons.

United States fans

Other fans enjoyed the action from their seats

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REUTERS

The US put on an incredible performance in their opening game, with Paraguay no match for the co-hosts.

After just eight minutes, the USA had their first goal of the tournament after a dangerous ball flashed across the box before an unfortunate touch from defender Damian Bobadilla diverted it into his own net.

Balogun slotted home to make it 2-0 after Chrisitan Pulisic pulled the ball back for the Monaco striker to fire home.

The former got his second of the game, cutting inside onto his left foot before curling a stunning effort into the top corner.

United States

The US dominated their opening game of the competition

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REUTERS

Paraguay pulled one back in the second half after former Newcastle forward Miguel Almiron played it to former Brighton player Julio Enciso, who put Mauricio in behind, and he made no mistake with the finish.

The US had their fourth just before full-time, with Reyna picking up the ball on the edge of the box before unleashing a wicked effort with the outside of his right boot.

An incredibly convincing display by the US, with them facing Australia next on June 19.