Co-hosts the United States launched their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign decisively, thrashing Paraguay 4-1 in Group D to record the highest-scoring World Cup victory in the nation’s history.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side overwhelmed Paraguay from the outset in front of a packed crowd at Los Angeles Stadium, racing into a three-goal lead before halftime through an own goal and a brilliant first-half brace from Folarin Balogun.
The breakthrough came early when sustained pressure from Christian Pulisic helped force a Paraguay own goal. Balogun then doubled the advantage in the 31st minute after being set up by Pulisic before adding his second deep into first-half stoppage time to send the hosts into the break with a commanding 3-0 lead.
The United States continued to dominate possession and create chances after the restart, with Opta statistics showing the Americans recorded one of their most dominant World Cup performances in decades.
Paraguay pulled a goal back in the 73rd minute through substitute Mauricio after a rare defensive lapse by the hosts. However, any hopes of a comeback were extinguished when substitute Gio Reyna struck in stoppage time to complete the rout and cap a memorable opening night for the co-hosts.
Balogun was the standout performer, scoring twice on his World Cup debut as the Monaco forward underlined his growing importance to the American attack.
The only concern for the United States was the halftime withdrawal of captain Christian Pulisic because of calf tightness, raising questions over his availability for their next match.
“It was the ideal start,” veteran defender Tim Ream said after the match as the United States took control of Group D with a statement victory.
The win gives the Americans early momentum ahead of their second group match against Australia on June 19, while Paraguay will look to recover when they face Turkey.
![Midfielder Thomas Partey [File image]](https://www.citinewsroom.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/PARTEY-350x250.webp)
