The United States launched their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in emphatic fashion, sweeping aside Paraguay 4-1 in Los Angeles as a brace from Folarin Balogun inspired the co-hosts to a commanding opening victory.
In front of a sold-out crowd of 70,492 at the tournament’s first match on US soil, the Americans overwhelmed Paraguay with an attacking display that featured an early own goal, Balogun’s double and a stunning late strike from Gio Reyna.
The result places the United States in a strong position in Group D, which also includes Australia and Turkey, while raising expectations of a deep tournament run on home soil.
Hollywood stars including Tom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio and Paris Hilton were among spectators as the hosts dominated from the opening whistle.
The breakthrough arrived after just seven minutes when Weston McKennie surged forward from midfield before linking up with Christian Pulisic. McKennie’s pass towards Balogun was inadvertently turned into his own net by Paraguay midfielder Damian Bobadilla.
The Americans continued to dictate proceedings and nearly doubled their advantage midway through the first half when Balogun found the net, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.
The Monaco striker would not be denied for long.
In the 31st minute, Antonee Robinson released Pulisic down the left flank and the captain’s cross eventually fell kindly for Balogun, who converted to make it 2-0.
Balogun struck again on the stroke of half-time with the goal of the night. Receiving a pass from Malik Tillman on the right, he skipped past challenges from Omar Alderete and Gustavo Gómez before curling a superb finish into the top corner.
The United States enjoyed 75 percent possession in a one-sided first half and could easily have extended their lead further, with Chris Richards going close on his return from injury.
Pulisic Concern Despite Comfortable Victory
The only concern for the hosts came at half-time when Pulisic was withdrawn, potentially raising fitness questions for the remainder of the tournament.
Without their star forward, the Americans adopted a more cautious approach after the break, allowing Paraguay to enjoy more possession.
The South Americans briefly threatened a comeback when Julio Enciso, starting despite a hamstring issue, created an opening for substitute Mauricio, who reduced the deficit with a well-taken finish.
Any hopes of a Paraguay revival were extinguished in stoppage time when Reyna produced a moment of brilliance, curling a right-footed effort inside the far post to seal a comprehensive 4-1 victory.
The match followed a lavish opening ceremony featuring performances from Katy Perry, Future, Tyla, Anitta and Lisa.
Performers danced around a giant World Cup trophy beneath towering FIFA branding as fans celebrated the start of football’s biggest tournament.
US President Donald Trump did not attend the match but reportedly wished the team luck before kick-off.
With confidence soaring after a dominant opening display, the United States will now turn their attention to maintaining momentum in Group D and securing a place in the knockout stages.
