Balogun Leads USA to Convincing 4-1 Opening Win Over Paraguay

 

Folarin Balogun scored twice as the United States beat Paraguay 4-1 in their 2026 World Cup opener in Los Angeles, delivering a polished performance in front of a packed home crowd.

Balogun became only the second US player to score more than once in a World Cup game, joining Bert Patenaude, who scored the tournament's first ever hat-trick against the same opponents back in 1930. The result also equals the US' biggest ever World Cup win.

Paraguay's Damian Bobadilla put the ball into his own net after just seven minutes to give the hosts the lead. Christian Pulisic drove between two defenders before setting up Weston McKennie, whose cutback was turned in by Bobadilla under pressure.

Balogun made it 2-0 in the 31st minute, finishing from Pulisic's pass after a VAR check for offside was cleared. He added a third shortly after the break, collecting a through ball from Malik Tillman, brushing off a challenge and curling a shot into the top corner.

Paraguay pulled one back against the run of play through Mauricio, who was played in by Julio Enciso and finished low past goalkeeper Matt Freese. But substitute Giovanni Reyna settled the game with the final kick of the match, curling a 20-yard effort into the net with the outside of his right foot.

Coach Mauricio Pochettino will have one concern from an otherwise strong display. Pulisic, who was involved in the first two goals, was taken off at half time.

The game was preceded by a high-profile opening ceremony featuring performances from Katy Perry, with celebrities including David Beckham and Tom Cruise in attendance. US president Donald Trump was not present.

The US next face Australia on June 19, while Paraguay take on Turkey on June 20.