2026 FIFA World Cup: USA Open Campaign with 4-1 Win over Paraguay
The United States launched their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in stunning fashion with a commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay in front of a packed crowd in Los Angeles on Friday night.
Led by a brilliant first-half display from striker Folarin Balogun, the Americans thrilled home supporters with an attacking masterclass to take early control of Group D.
The hosts needed only seven minutes to break the deadlock. Captain Christian Pulisic sliced through Paraguay’s defence with a clever pass to Weston McKennie, whose dangerous cross forced Paraguayan midfielder Damian Bobadilla into turning the ball into his own net.
The early breakthrough lifted the atmosphere inside Los Angeles Stadium as the Americans seized complete control of the contest.
After the first-half hydration break, Pulisic again became the architect of the home side’s attack. Bursting down the left flank, the AC Milan star delivered a pinpoint cross for Balogun, who calmly guided his finish beyond goalkeeper Orlando Gill to double the lead.
Balogun was not done yet.
Moments before halftime, the striker produced the goal of the night. Chasing a long ball forward, he shrugged off a sliding defender, danced beyond two more challenges and unleashed a thunderous left-footed strike into the top corner to hand the United States a dominant 3-0 advantage at the break.
Fans were left surprised when Pulisic did not return for the second half, with coach Mauricio Pochettino expected to explain the substitution after the match.
Paraguay showed greater urgency after the restart and eventually pulled a goal back in the 73rd minute through substitute Mauricio, who capitalised on a rare defensive lapse by the Americans.
However, the United States never looked in danger of losing control.
Midfielder Gio Reyna sealed the victory late on with a superb finish from the edge of the penalty area, curling the ball home with the outside of his right foot to complete an emphatic opening-night performance.
The match attracted several high-profile spectators, including Hollywood star Tom Cruise and football icon David Beckham, who had earlier received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Despite concerns surrounding ticket prices ahead of the tournament, the 70,492-capacity stadium was completely sold out for the fi
rst men’s World Cup match played on American soil in 32 years.
The occasion also featured a colourful pre-match ceremony with a performance by pop star Katy Perry and a parade of nations before kickoff.
The victory gives the United States an ideal start as they aim to better their Round of 16 finish from the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
The Americans will next face Australia in Seattle on June 19, while Paraguay travel to San Francisco to take on Turkey in their second Group D fixture.
