USA 4-1 Paraguay: USMNT Dazzle in World Cup Opener as Balogun Bags a Brace
USA cruise past Paraguay 4-1
The USA opened the 2026 World Cup in style, brushing aside Paraguay 4-1 in their Group D opener in Los Angeles. It was the first World Cup match on home soil in more than three decades, and the hosts fed off a roaring crowd. The USA scored three times in the first half to settle the contest early, answering doubts about a plateauing host nation with a thoroughly convincing performance that delighted fans across the country.
Balogun’s brace rewrites a 95-year record
Striker Folarin Balogun was the headline act for the USA, scoring twice in the first half to become the first American with two goals in a single World Cup match since the inaugural edition in 1930. The USA struck early: in the seventh minute Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie combined down the left to force a Damian Bobadilla own goal, before Balogun struck twice and Gio Reyna added a fourth with the outside of his boot.
Pulisic shines but goes off at half-time
Captain Pulisic was the standout in the opening stages, assisting Balogun’s first goal and setting up the own goal while driving nearly every early attack. The one concern for the USA was his withdrawal at half-time for Sebastian Berhalter due to a calf issue. Coach Mauricio Pochettino said afterwards it was only a precaution and that he expects Pulisic to be available for the next match, easing fans’ worries.
Pochettino’s plan pays off
The win was a vindication of Pochettino’s approach. The USA pressed high and transitioned quickly, with slick link-up play through the middle and dangerous threat out wide. Against a physical Paraguay side, the hosts used pace and combinations to break the press, showing the ambition and execution expected of a host nation and building real confidence for the games ahead.
What it means and what is next
The emphatic start gives the USA an early edge in the race to qualify from Group D. Next up, the USA face Australia in Seattle on 19 June, before closing the group stage against Turkey. To follow the USA and every World Cup result, bookmark our live scores and full fixtures (Malaysia time), with post-match analysis and highlights so you never miss a key moment from the hosts’ campaign as it unfolds across the summer, from the group stage all the way to the knockout rounds and beyond.
