The United States began their World Cup campaign in commanding fashion with a 4-1 victory over Paraguay, delivering an emphatic performance that underlined its ambitions in Group D.
A first-half double from Folarin Balogun set the tone for the hosts, who recorded their highest-ever goal tally in a World Cup match. The striker also became the first U.S. player since 1930 to score twice in a single game at the tournament.
“Amazing result,” Captain Tim Ream said. “It’s exactly the way we wanted to start the tournament.”
The United States took control early, opening the scoring in the seventh minute when a dangerous move initiated by Christian Pulisic led to an own goal by Paraguay’s Damian Bobadilla.
Pulisic remained influential in the build-up to the second goal, delivering a precise cross for Balogun to convert and double the lead. The forward added his second just before half-time, finishing confidently after shrugging off a defender to cap a near-perfect opening period.
The only setback for the U.S. came at the interval, when Pulisic was substituted due to tightness in his calf.
“It was difficult for him to walk, but I hope that it is not a big issue and he can be ready for the next one,” head coach Mauricio Pochettino said.
Paraguay improved after the break and pulled a goal back in the 73rd minute through substitute Mauricio, capitalising on a defensive lapse.
However, the U.S. maintained control and sealed the result late on, with Gio Reyna scoring a fourth goal from the edge of the box to complete a dominant performance.
Paraguay defender Junior Alonso acknowledged the gap between the two sides. “The opposition were better than us,” he said. “We need to use these mistakes to improve.”
The match, played in front of a sold-out crowd at Los Angeles Stadium, marked the first men’s World Cup fixture on U.S. soil in more than three decades.
High-profile spectators, including David Beckham and Tom Cruise, were in attendance, while the atmosphere was further enhanced by pre-match celebrations and performances.
Coach Mauricio Pochettino praised the support, saying: “Massive thank you to the fans because the energy they gave to the team was amazing.”
The convincing win gives the United States early momentum as they look to improve on their last-16 finish at the previous tournament.
They will next face Australia, while Paraguay must regroup quickly ahead of their match against Türkiye as they seek to keep their campaign alive.
The result reinforces growing confidence around the U.S. squad under Mauricio Pochettino, with the team blending experienced players and emerging talent as they seek to make a deeper run in a home tournament.
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