The United States made a commanding start to their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, defeating Paraguay 4-1 in their Group D opener at SoFi Stadium on Monday.
Former Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun stole the show with two goals, becoming just the second American player to score more than once in a single World Cup match. The first such feat was achieved by Bert Patenaude, who scored the tournament’s first-ever hat-trick in 1930 — also against Paraguay.
It was also the USA’s joint-biggest World Cup win, matching their 3-0 victories over Paraguay and Belgium in the 1930 tournament.
The hosts took the lead in the seventh minute through an own goal by Paraguay’s Damian Bobadilla. Christian Pulisic burst between two defenders and set up Weston McKennie, whose cutback was turned into his own net by the Paraguayan midfielder.
Balogun thought he had doubled the lead in the 28th minute, but the goal was disallowed for offside. However, he made no mistake three minutes later, latching onto a pass from Pulisic and thumping the ball home.
The Monaco forward added a second shortly before half-time, latching onto a through ball from Malik Tillman, evading a challenge from Omar Alderete, and curling a superb shot into the top corner.
Paraguay pulled one back early in the second half through Brazilian-born forward Mauricio, who was played in by Julio Enciso and finished calmly past goalkeeper Matt Freese.
The United States capped off an impressive performance with a stunning goal from substitute Giovanni Reyna in stoppage time. The midfielder curled a magnificent 20-yard strike with the outside of his right foot to make the final score 4-1.
Balogun Shines on the Big Stage
Balogun, who switched international allegiance from England to the USA in 2023, delivered a performance that will be remembered for years. The 24-year-old, who came through Arsenal’s academy before excelling at Monaco, has now announced himself on football’s biggest stage.
Pochettino’s Side Rise to the Occasion
In front of a vibrant crowd of over 70,000, Mauricio Pochettino’s team produced a confident and attacking display. Pulisic was particularly influential before being substituted at half-time, raising slight concerns for the coaching staff.
The USA dominated with 16 shots on goal and looked dangerous throughout, with several players going close to adding to the tally.
The victory provides the perfect platform for the co-hosts as they look to make a deep run in the tournament and further boost the growth of football in the United States, 32 years after they last hosted the World Cup in 1994.
What’s Next?
The United States will face Australia on Friday, June 19, while Paraguay take on Turkey on Saturday, June 20.
