United States kick off World Cup with a statement victory over Paraguay

LOS ANGELES — Folarin Balogun scored two goals to lead the United States to a 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Los Angeles.

The US were flying right from the start. In the seventh minute, Christian Pulisic dribble between two defenders and passed the ball to Weston McKennie in the box. The ball ricocheted off Paraguay’s Damián Bobadilla and into the back of the net to give the Americans a 1-0 lead. Then in the 31st minute, Pulisic was charging down the left flank. He cut the ball back across the box to Balogun, who picked out the bottom corner to double the US lead. Just before the halftime whistle, Malik Tillman played Balogun through. The New York born striker cut onto his left foot and curled it right into the top corner to make it 3-0.

In the second half, Paraguay settled into the match and drew a goal back with Maurício getting on the scoresheet. In stoppage time, Giovanni Reyna curled in a stunning goal with the outside of his boot to cap off a statement 4-1 victory for the US.

At halftime, Pulisic was subbed off for Sebastian Berhalter. After the game US manager Mauricio Pochettino said, “We didn’t want to take any risks.”

Pulisic added he was “subbed off as a precaution.”

In the 72nd minute, El Paso native Ricardo Pepi replaced Balogun. Chants of “Pepi, Pepi” echoed throughout numerous watch parties across El Paso when he entered the pitch.

Next Friday, the US will face Australia in their second match of the group stage in Seattle.