The United States made a perfect start to their 2026 World Cup campaign with a resounding victory over Paraguay on Friday night (Saturday morning French time) at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, in their opening Group D match. Led by an effective attack and a brace from Folarin Balogun, the American team cruised to a comfortable 4-1 win. In their first match of "their" World Cup, the Americans quickly took control of the game. Playing at the tip of Mauricio Pochettino's 4-2-3-1 formation, Folarin Balogun made his presence felt from the opening minutes, with Orlando Gill saving the first chance in the 3rd minute.
Bobadilla's own goal puts the United States on the attack.
The American pressure was quickly rewarded. In the 7th minute, after a combination between Weston McKennie and Christian Pulisic, Damian Bobadilla scored an own goal, giving the United States the opening goal. This goal kick-started a first half largely dominated by Team USA. Paraguay, struggling to play the ball out from the back and contain the American attacks, were under pressure for long periods.
Balogun scores twice before the break
Folarin Balogun then took over. The Monaco striker doubled the lead in the 31st minute, confirming the Americans' superiority in both play and intensity. Just before halftime, he struck again. In first-half stoppage time, Balogun scored his second goal of the game in the 45th+5 minute, allowing the United States to go into the locker room with a clear and comfortable lead.
Paraguay saves face
Trailing 3-0, Paraguay eventually pulled one back in the second half. Mauricio scored in the 73rd minute, making it 3-1 for the Albirroja. This goal, however, did little to reignite the match. The United States maintained their lead, despite a more disjointed end to the game and several yellow cards for Paraguay.
Reyna closes the scoring in added time
In the final seconds, Giovanni Reyna added to the American victory. The attacking midfielder scored the United States' fourth goal in the 98th minute, sealing the score at 4-1. Paraguay finished with five yellow cards, compared to two for the United States. Junior Alonso was booked in the 90th minute.
A perfect start for Team USA
With this clear victory, the United States immediately take a position in Group D. The score, the attacking efficiency and Balogun's brace give the American team a solid start in this 2026 World Cup. Paraguay, on the other hand, leaves Los Angeles with a heavy defeat and many corrections to make after a disappointing start to the tournament.
