The United States men’s national team opened its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 4-1 win over Paraguay on Thursday night at SoFi Stadium.
Folarin Balogun scored twice for the USMNT. An own goal by Paraguay defender Damián Bobadilla in the seventh minute gave the hosts the early lead. Balogun added goals in the 31st and 45th-plus minutes to make it 3-0 at halftime. Paraguay pulled one back in the second half through Mauricio, but Gio Reyna scored in stoppage time to finish the scoring.
Christian Pulisic assisted one of Balogun’s goals and was subbed off at halftime. The United States controlled much of the game against a Paraguay side that struggled to create chances.
The result gives the USMNT three points in Group D and a positive start on home soil. Paraguay remains without a win in the tournament.