USA opens World Cup with 4-1 victory over Paraguay as Balogun shines
4 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 13, 2026, 3:34 AM
Last updated Jun 13, 2026
The United States men's national team secured a 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their World Cup opener on June 13 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Folarin Balogun scored two goals, while an own goal by Damián Bobadilla and a late goal from Giovanni Reyna completed the scoring for the hosts. The U.S. led 3-0 at halftime after a dominant first half, a stark contrast to their previous World Cup performance. Paraguay scored in the second half with a goal from Mauricio, but it was not enough to mount a comeback. The U.S. will next face Australia in Group D on June 20.
- •USA leads 3-0 at halftime against Paraguay
- •Balogun scores two goals in his World Cup debut
- •Christian Pulisic assists on opening own goal
- •Giovanni Reyna seals victory with final goal in injury time
- •USA will play Australia next on June 20
- 3:19 AMYahoo Sports — US opens its home World Cup with a dynamic 4-1 victory over Paraguay, sparked by Balogun’s 2 goals
- 3:03 AMYahoo Sports — Folarin Balogun scores twice as USMNT beats Paraguay 4-1 in World Cup opener
"Folarin Balogun scored twice in the Americans’ historic three-goal first half, and the U.S. opened its first home World Cup in 32 years with its biggest win in the tournament, a dynamic 4-1 victory over Paraguay on Friday night.
"The USA kicked off their World Cup on home soil with their joint best-ever victory in the tournament's history as a sizzling performance saw them thrash Paraguay 4-1 in Los Angeles.
"The U.S. men's national team kicked off its World Cup campaign with a thrilling win over Paraguay on Friday night in Los Angeles.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 13, 2026, 3:19 AMUS opens its home World Cup with a dynamic 4-1 victory over Paraguay, sparked by Balogun’s 2 goals
Folarin Balogun scored twice in the Americans’ historic three-goal first half, and the U.S. opened its first home World Cup in 32 years with its biggest win in the tournament, a dynamic 4-1 victory over Paraguay on Friday night.
- Yahoo SportsJun 13, 2026, 3:03 AMFolarin Balogun scores twice as USMNT beats Paraguay 4-1 in World Cup opener
The U.S. men's national team kicked off its World Cup campaign with a thrilling win over Paraguay on Friday night in Los Angeles.
- Sky Sports—Hosts USA thrash Paraguay with statement opening win as Balogun shines
The USA kicked off their World Cup on home soil with their joint best-ever victory in the tournament's history as a sizzling performance saw them thrash Paraguay 4-1 in Los Angeles.
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