USMNT Routs Paraguay 4-1 in Historic World Cup Opener

Sport

By lines

June 13, 2026

The USMNT opened the 2026 World Cup on home soil Friday in Los Angeles. The United States defeated Paraguay 4-1 in Group D at Los Angeles Stadium. Folarin Balogun scored twice in the first half. Gio Reyna sealed the result in stoppage time. Friday marked the program’s highest-scoring match in World Cup history.

Balogun’s Brace Sends the U.S. Into Uncharted World Cup Territory

A Paraguay own goal in the seventh minute gave the United States the lead. Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie combined on the left flank to force the deflection into the net. Folarin Balogun added the second goal in the 31st minute. Balogun converted a low Pulisic cross into the bottom-right corner of the net. Balogun then spun a Paraguay defender and curled a second goal into the upper corner. The finish came off Balogun’s weaker left foot. Substitute Gio Reyna delivered a trivela finish in second-half stoppage time. Paraguay scored a consolation goal to make the final 4-1.

Folarin Balogun’s brace is the first two-goal World Cup game by a United States player since 1930. Christian Pulisic supplied the direct assist on Balogun’s 31st-minute goal before leaving at halftime. Pulisic indicated after the match that the precautionary exit was not a serious concern. The USMNT’s four-goal total is the most the program has scored in any World Cup match, per ESPN and Goal.com.

The United States has appeared at the World Cup since 1930. Friday’s four-goal result is the most the program has scored in any single World Cup match. The 2026 tournament marks the first time the United States has co-hosted the competition since 1994. Home crowd support at Los Angeles Stadium fueled the USMNT attack through the first 45 minutes. Friday’s opener provided a statement on the biggest stage the program has hosted in three decades.

The 4-1 result puts the United States atop Group D with three points after matchday one. The USMNT needs one more win from its remaining two group matches to reach the knockout round. Friday’s performance raised the realistic ceiling for the United States at this tournament. A World Cup on home soil carries national expectation. The USMNT answered that expectation at Los Angeles Stadium.

Christian Pulisic’s fitness heading into the USMNT’s next group match is the central storyline. Pulisic played a direct role in two of the four United States goals before leaving at halftime. Pulisic’s health at this World Cup is the most critical variable for the United States’ run. The USMNT’s Group D campaign continues in the coming days with Pulisic’s condition closely monitored.