Los Angeles, USA: A dazzling first-half display, a historic double from Folarin Balogun, and a 4-1 scoreline, yet for the United States, the perfect World Cup opener came with one agonising twist.
The co-hosts launched their 2026 campaign in breathtaking fashion, thrashing Paraguay 4-1 in a pulsating Group D encounter at a sold-out Los Angeles Stadium. The emphatic result marked the USA’s biggest ever World Cup win in terms of goals scored, with Balogun becoming the first American to net twice in a World Cup match since the 1930 tournament. But the celebrations were quickly tempered by an all-too-familiar sight: Christian Pulisic limping off the pitch.
Co-hosts @USMNT won’t forget yesterday in a hurry! 🤩
USA’s 4-1 win over Paraguay was the first time they’ve scored four goals in a @FIFAWorldCup match, and their biggest win since the first edition of the tournament in 1930! 👏 pic.twitter.com/dXTtbJry1G
— FIFA (@FIFAcom) June 13, 2026
The American onslaught began in the seventh minute when Pulisic sliced through Paraguay’s defence to set up Weston McKennie, whose cross was turned into his own net by Damian Bobadilla to make it 1-0. Shortly after the hydration break, Pulisic turned provider again, delivering a perfect left-wing cross for Balogun to slot past goalkeeper Orlando Gill for a 2-0 lead.
Then, on the stroke of halftime, Balogun produced a moment of magic, controlling a long pass, shrugging off a sliding defender, and lashing a left-footed rocket into the top corner to make it 3-0.
Escándalo de gol este de usa. 27 toques, 1 minuto completo de posesión. La tocaron los 11 jugadores. Futbol total del equipo de Pochball. pic.twitter.com/1XgP679izr
— Cristian (@cristiannmillo) June 13, 2026
However, the joy was short-lived. Pulisic, complaining of calf tightness, was substituted at the break. “It was difficult for him to walk,” admitted coach Mauricio Pochettino. “I hope it’s not a big issue.” Paraguay pulled one back through substitute Mauricio in the 73rd minute after a rare US defensive lapse to make it 3-1, but Gio Reyna restored the three-goal cushion with a sublime finish from the edge of the box in stoppage time, sealing the final 4-1 scoreline.
The night belonged as much to the spectacle as the sport. With Tom Cruise, David Beckham, and 70,492 fans packing the NFL stadium, and Katy Perry performing pre-match, the first men’s World Cup on US soil in 32 years delivered box-office drama.
US captain Tim Ream said: “Amazing result – four goals, three points. It sets us up perfectly for the rest of the group stage.” Paraguay defender Junior Alonso admitted: “They were better than us. No regrets, only lessons.” The US face Australia next in Seattle on June 19, while Paraguay seek redemption against Turkiye in Santa Clara.
