World Cup 2026: Balogun's double helps USA dominate Paraguay in Group D opener
Folarin Balogun scored twice and Gio Reyna added a late goal as the United States cruised to a 4-1 victory over Paraguay in the opening match on home soil. The co-hosts now have a strong position in Group D.
The United States could not have asked for a better start to their World Cup campaign. On Friday in Los Angeles, in front of a sold-out crowd of 70,492 including Hollywood stars Tom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Paris Hilton, the US thrashed Paraguay 4-1 thanks to a brace from Folarin Balogun and a stoppage-time curler from Gio Reyna.
The hosts took the lead in the seventh minute through an own goal by Damian Bobadilla. Balogun then scored twice, first in the 31st minute after a pass from Antonee Robinson, and again just before half-time following a feed from Malik Tillman. The US dominated the first half with 75% possession.
In the second half, after Christian Pulisic was withdrawn at half-time, Paraguay pulled one back through Maurício. However, Reyna sealed the win in stoppage time with a beautiful curling shot from outside the box.
The emphatic victory puts the US in a favorable position in Group D, which also includes Australia and Turkey. The only potential concern was Pulisic's injury, which could affect the team's deep run hopes.
Before the match, a glamorous opening ceremony featured performances by Katy Perry, Future, Tyla, Anitta, and K-pop star Lisa. US President Donald Trump did not attend but called the team to wish them luck.
