The United States kicked off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in emphatic fashion, defeating Paraguay 4-1 in a Group D clash at Los Angeles Stadium on Friday night. The victory marked the Americans’ highest-scoring performance in World Cup history and sent them to the top of their group. (Reuters)
The hosts took the lead in the seventh minute when pressure from Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie forced a Paraguay own goal. Folarin Balogun then stole the spotlight, scoring twice in the first half to give Mauricio Pochettino’s side a commanding 3-0 lead at the break. (U.S. Soccer)
Paraguay pulled one back in the second half through Mauricio, but the United States remained in control and sealed the win deep into stoppage time when Gio Reyna netted his first World Cup goal. (U.S. Soccer)
Balogun’s brace on his World Cup debut was the standout moment of the night as the Americans thrilled a crowd of more than 70,000 fans. The result gives the co-hosts an ideal start to the tournament ahead of their next Group D fixture against Australia on June 19. (Reuters)
