USMNT Dominates Paraguay 4-1 in World Cup Opener, Balogun Makes History
Published June 13, 2026
Co-hosts USA kicked off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a resounding 4-1 victory over Paraguay in Los Angeles, as Folarin Balogun etched his name into the history books with a significant scoring feat.
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The United States Men's National Team (USMNT) made a powerful statement in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, defeating Paraguay 4-1 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The victory, secured in front of a star-studded crowd following the final opening ceremony, saw the co-hosts deliver a dominant performance that delighted their home fans and set a strong tone for their tournament aspirations.
Forward Folarin Balogun was the standout performer, netting two goals to become the first American player in 96 years to score a brace in a World Cup match. This remarkable achievement harks back to the 1930 tournament, marking a significant milestone for the USMNT. The team’s three-goal winning margin also mirrored historical successes from 1930, when the USA secured 3-0 victories against both Belgium and Paraguay.
The Americans wasted no time asserting their authority, racing to an impressive 3-0 lead by halftime—their largest first-half advantage ever recorded in a World Cup fixture. Christian Pulisic, often dubbed 'Captain America,' contributed to the offensive onslaught with a crucial assist. The vibrant atmosphere at the stadium, situated just ten miles from Hollywood, was further amplified by the presence of numerous celebrities, including Tom Cruise, George Lucas, Bill Gates, Halle Berry, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, all witnessing the historic start to the tournament for the host nation.