The United States men’s national team launched their FIFA World Cup campaign in emphatic fashion, defeating Paraguay 4-1 in front of a packed crowd in Los Angeles in the first World Cup match played on American soil in more than 30 years.
A dominant attacking display saw the hosts establish control early and never relinquish it, with Folarin Balogun scoring twice, while an own goal from Paraguayan defender Damian Bobadilla and a late strike from Gio Reyna completed a memorable evening for the Americans.
The four-goal haul set a new benchmark for the U.S. men’s team at a World Cup, surpassing their previous best of three goals in a single tournament match.
Fast Start Sets the Tone
The Americans wasted little time imposing themselves on the contest. Their relentless pressure in the opening stages immediately unsettled Paraguay and produced an early breakthrough.
In the seventh minute, a dangerous ball from midfielder Weston McKennie was diverted into his own net by Bobadilla, handing the United States a deserved lead.
The goal further energized the home crowd and signaled the beginning of a difficult evening for Paraguay, who struggled to contain the pace and movement of the U.S. attack throughout the first half.
Balogun Takes Centre Stage
After helping create several promising opportunities, the United States doubled their advantage through Balogun in the 31st minute.
Christian Pulisic delivered a cross that found the striker, who finished confidently to extend the hosts’ lead.
Balogun then produced the standout moment of the match just before half-time. The Monaco forward escaped the attention of two defenders, created space for himself and unleashed a precise effort into the top corner, beyond the reach of Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill.
The strike gave the United States a commanding 3-0 advantage at the break and capped a first-half performance that showcased the team’s growing attacking confidence.
Injury Concern for Pulisic
The second half was less frenetic, although attention briefly shifted to the fitness of captain Christian Pulisic.
The forward was replaced at half-time by midfielder Sebastian Berhalter. His appearance marked a notable milestone, making him only the second player in a father-son pairing to represent the United States in a World Cup match after his father, former national team coach Gregg Berhalter, who played at the 2002 tournament.
Following the match, Pulisic reassured supporters regarding his condition.
“My calf got a bit of a kick in the first half,” he told reporters.
He added: “I’m hoping it’s nothing. I’m taking a little bit of precaution today, but I’m hoping I’ll be fine in the next few days.”
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino also expressed confidence that the winger would be available for the team’s next fixture.
Historic Night for Balogun
Paraguay found a consolation goal in the 73rd minute through midfielder Mauricio, but the visitors never threatened a comeback.
Instead, substitute Gio Reyna added a fourth goal deep into stoppage time to complete a comprehensive victory.
The evening was particularly significant for Balogun. His two-goal performance marked the first World Cup brace by a United States player since the inaugural tournament in 1930.
The striker, who was born in New York City to Nigerian parents and raised in London, is among 13 players making their World Cup debut for the United States. Eligible to represent three countries internationally, he committed to the U.S. national team in 2023.
With family members watching from the stands, Balogun reflected on the occasion afterward.
“A real dream. It was a dreamy night.”
Positive Start to Knockout Ambitions
The result highlighted the progress of the U.S. attack since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where the Americans managed only three goals across four matches.
Attention now turns to upcoming group-stage fixtures against Australia in Seattle on 19 June and Turkey in Los Angeles on 25 June.
With the tournament expanded to 48 teams, progression from the group stage is more attainable than in previous editions. Friday’s victory has already placed the United States in a strong position, with another win or a pair of draws from their remaining matches likely enough to secure a place in the knockout rounds.
For a team carrying the expectations of a home World Cup, this opening performance provided both encouragement and a powerful statement of intent. Balogun’s brilliance, an attacking display full of confidence and a record-breaking scoreline ensured the hosts could hardly have asked for a better start.
