USA thrash Paraguay 4-1 for dream World Cup 2026 start as Balogun scores brace
The United States Men’s National Team began their home World Cup campaign in style, thrashing Paraguay 4-1 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA on Friday, June 12, 2026. The Group D victory gives the USMNT an early advantage in the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side produced their most dominant World Cup performance since 1930, with Folarin Balogun netting twice and Christian Pulisic delivering a masterclass before a late injury scare.
Balogun Brace Highlights Electric First Half
USA broke the deadlock in the 7th minute when Pulisic split two defenders and found Weston McKennie. McKennie’s low cross was deflected into his own net by Paraguay’s Damián Bobadilla for an own goal.
Balogun then took center stage. The 24-year-old striker scored in the 31st minute after a perfect cross from Pulisic, angling his shot past goalkeeper Orlando Gill. He completed his brace on the stroke of halftime, taking a long pass, shaking off a sliding defender and hammering a left-footed shot into the top corner to make it 3-0.
The first-half blitz matched the USMNT’s record for most goals scored before halftime at a World Cup.
Pulisic Injury And Reyna Seals Win
USA came out 3-0 up but lost momentum when captain Christian Pulisic was substituted at the start of the second half after taking a kick to his left calf. Pochettino said after the match he was being “precautionary,” and the team hoped it was nothing serious.
Paraguay improved after the break and pulled one back in the 73rd minute through substitute Mauricio, who capitalized on a defensive lapse. But USA finished strong. Gio Reyna scored the fourth in stoppage time with a curling effort from the edge of the box using the outside of his right foot.
Folarin Balogun wins the match’s superior award.
Group D Table And What’s Next
The 4-1 result is the largest World Cup win for USA since their 3-0 victory over Paraguay in 1930. Balogun became the first American to score multiple goals in a World Cup match since Bert Patenaude 96 years ago.
Captain Tim Ream called it “exactly the way we wanted to start the tournament”. USA now lead Group D with 3 points. They face Australia in Seattle on Friday, June 19, while Turkey play Australia on June 13.
With home support and momentum, the USMNT will aim to secure early qualification for the Round of 32 in their second group game.
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