Co-hosts the United States kicked off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in emphatic fashion on Saturday, defeating Paraguay 4-1 in their Group D opener at Los Angeles Stadium, with former Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun scoring twice in a memorable performance.
Key Highlights:
- United States men’s national soccer team beat Paraguay national football team 4-1 in their World Cup opener.
- Folarin Balogun scored twice for the USA.
- Christian Pulisic played a key role in the attack.
- Paraguay scored once through Mauricio in the second half.
- Giovanni Reyna sealed the win with a late goal
Backed by a crowd of 70,492 fans, the Americans wasted no time asserting their dominance, taking the lead in the seventh minute through an own goal by Paraguay midfielder Damian Bobadilla.
The move was sparked by captain Christian Pulisic, whose burst of pace opened up the Paraguayan defence before he combined with Weston McKennie.
Bobadilla inadvertently turned McKennie’s cutback into his own net, handing the hosts an early advantage.
The United States thought they had doubled their lead in the 28th minute when Balogun found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
However, the Monaco forward made amends just three minutes later, firing home from a precise pass by Pulisic to make it 2-0.
Balogun struck again in first-half stoppage time, racing onto a through ball from Malik Tillman before evading a challenge and curling a superb finish beyond goalkeeper Orlando Gill.
His second goal gave the United States a commanding 3-0 lead heading into the break.
The 24-year-old’s brace placed him among an elite group of American players, becoming only the second United States footballer to score more than once in a World Cup match after Bert Patenaude, who achieved the feat during the inaugural tournament in 1930.
Paraguay attempted a comeback in the second half and pulled one goal back in the 73rd minute. Brazilian-born forward Mauricio finished calmly after being set up by Julio Enciso, reducing the deficit to 3-1.
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Despite the setback, Mauricio Pochettino’s side remained in control and sealed the victory with the final kick of the game.
Substitute Giovanni Reyna produced a moment of brilliance in stoppage time, curling a stunning 20-yard effort into the net with the outside of his right foot to complete a 4-1 triumph.
The victory equals the United States’ largest winning margin at a FIFA World Cup, matching their 3-0 victories over Paraguay and Belgium in 1930.
Balogun, who switched his international allegiance from England to the United States in 2023, was named Player of the Match after an outstanding display that highlighted his growing importance to the national team.
The striker carried his impressive club form from Monaco into the tournament and provided further evidence that he can lead the American attack on football’s biggest stage.
The win also marked a strong start for head coach Mauricio Pochettino, whose team created numerous chances throughout the contest and finished with 16 attempts on goal.
The United States will continue their Group D campaign against Australia on June 19, while Paraguay will look to recover when they face Turkey on June 20.
