League: FIFA World Cup Sport: Soccer Country: Global Category: Scores & Results

USMNT capitalizes on Pulisic, Balogun in World Cup opener against Paraguay

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 13, 2026, 11:26 AM

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

USMNT capitalizes on Pulisic, Balogun in World Cup opener against Paraguay

Summary

The United States men's national soccer team opened its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a dominant performance against Paraguay, scoring four goals in a 4-1 victory on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Folarin Balogun's two goals made him the first American man to score twice in a World Cup match since 1930. Christian Pulisic set the tone early with an influential role, assisting in an own goal and feeding Balogun for the second. The Americans' aggressive attacking style marked a significant improvement under head coach Mauricio Pochettino. Their next match is against Australia on June 16 in Seattle.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•USMNT scored four goals in a World Cup game for the first time.
•Folarin Balogun becomes first American with two World Cup goals since 1930.
•Christian Pulisic's assist led to an early own goal by Paraguay.
•Next match for the USMNT is against Australia on June 16.

Latest Updates

11:26 AMYahoo Sports — Pulisic magic, Balogun double set tone for USMNT in soaring World Cup opener

What they're saying

"
Falorin Balogun became the first American man to score two goals in a World Cup match since 1930, as the U.S. scored four goals in a World Cup match for the first time in team history.
— Yahoo Sports

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