USA made the perfect start to the World Cup with a dominant win over Paraguay in Los Angeles.
Folarin Balogun scored twice in the first half as Mauricio Pochettino’s men romped to victory in their Group D opener.
Sign up for the Football newsletter
Thank you!
Weston McKennie and Christian Pulisic celebrate during USA’s victory in their opening World Cup game Credit: Getty
Folarin Balogun scored twice in the first half Credit: AP
USA fans who attended the game at SoFi Stadium were delighted Credit: Getty
Fans also packed into the LA Coliseum to watch the USA’s opening game Credit: Reuters
USMNT fans also watched from a fan zone in Washington DC Credit: Reuters
And there was a watch party at the Intrepid Museum in New York Credit: Getty
Fans also watched on at a party in Seattle, Washington Credit: Reuters
Pochettino’s system immediately went to work at the start of the first half with multiple attacking chances thanks to smart build-up play between Weston McKennie and Balogun.
But it was an error on the part of the Paraguayans that would get the scoring going.
Just seven minutes into the game, a nifty move from Pulisic saw the ball get to the foot of McKennie, and conveniently deflect into the net for an own goal off of Damian Bobadilla.
That was just the start of a relentless day of attacking chances for the USMNT.
READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
USA 4 PARAGUAY 1
USMNT win opening World Cup game after Balogun double in dream start
‘DON’T CRUMBLE’
Elmo and Cookie Monster bizarrely give advice to USA stars in TV interview
One of them came again in the 16th minute when Sergino Dest came through on net unguarded, but a poor first touch saw that chance turn into a corner for the Americans.
No goal came on the corner, instead the stadium was left holding its breath for centre back Chris Richards who went down after knocking heads with Omar Alderete of Paraguay while going for a header.
He was able to return to the pitch after a minute off the field and completed the game.
The Americans kept up the pressure after the first hydration break, with Balogun finding the net almost immediately — only for the goal to be called off for an offside ruling.
But instantly got a chance at redemption and didn’t waste it, knocking in a lovely assist from Pulisic into the bottom right corner in the 31st minute.
And he added to his goal total just before the whistle on a throughball from winger Malik Tillman that he fired into the top left corner past goalkeeper Orlando Gill.
USA led through an early own-goal from Paraguay’s Damian Bobadilla Credit: Reuters
Folarin Balogun scored twice in the first half Credit: Getty
USA will next face Australia on Friday in Seattle, Washington Credit: Getty
Through one half it was an utterly dominant display from the US, nothing short of a dream start.
They played so well that it changed the question of when the next scoring chance for Paraguay would come to if it would ever come. Spoiler alert: they would.
Coming out of the half Pochettino made his first substitution, pulling Pulisic for MLS midfielder Sebastian Berhalter with the score so lopsided.
The USMNT attack didn’t lose much steam with its star off the pitch, with multiple chances coming before the second hydration break.
But they just couldn’t capitalize on those moments like they did in the first half.
Balogun was subbed off in the 72nd minute for Ricardo Pepi after looking a bit beaten up on the pitch.
How to buy USMNT World Cup jerseys
The 2026 World Cup is HERE and you can support the USMNT with two stylish new jerseys to wear in the tournament.
You can rep the boys in the stars and stripes this summer by picking up your own authentic home and away kits.
Below you’ll find some places to buy the USMNT’s 2026 World Cup jerseys.
*If you click on a link in this boxout we will earn affiliate revenue
2026 USMNT home jersey: $175 – buy here
2026 USMNT away jersey: $175 – buy here
Kids 2026 USMNT home jersey: $85 – buy here
Kids 2026 USMNT away jersey: $85 – buy here
Katy Perry performed before kickoff at SoFi Stadium Credit: Reuters
There was an opening ceremony in Los Angeles, to go with the ones in Mexico and Canada Credit: Reuters
And alongside him Sergino Dest was taken off for Timothy Weah.
Those moves immediately backfired, and Paraguay clawed back its first goal of the night thanks to a left footed shot to the bottom right corner from Mauricio.
As the second half went on, the Americans appeared to lose some steam, getting sloppy in buildup play and allowing too many runs from Paraguay through their lines.
But it wasn’t enough to rain on the US parade.
And Gio Reyna put the icing on the cake with a stunning finish off the outside of his foot in injury time.
Game one was truly nothing short of a dream start, and a huge confidence boost for the tournament.
USA won a World Cup game by a three-goal margin for the first time since 1930.
If they play anywhere near as strong as they did against Paraguay, they have a real chance at finishing top of Group D.
