Balogun scores brace as USA beat Paraguay 4–1 in World Cup opener

2026 FIFA World Cup hosts the United States opened their campaign in dominant fashion on Friday, defeating Paraguay 4–1 in an emphatic Group D performance at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

Folarin Balogun starred with two goals as relentless American pressure overwhelmed Paraguay in a statement opening victory.

The result gives the United States an ideal start after arriving at the tournament under pressure following inconsistent pre-World Cup performances and questions over their readiness to compete at the highest level.

Balogun leads ruthless US display

The Americans wasted little time asserting control, forcing an early own goal from Damian Bobadilla after sustained attacking pressure.

Balogun then took centre stage, scoring twice to put the hosts firmly in command before substitute Gio Reyna completed the scoring late in the match.

The hosts established a commanding 3–0 lead before halftime and never looked back.

Pulisic praises team performance

After the match, US captain Christian Pulisic praised the team’s intensity while urging focus for the challenges ahead.

“Just a great start from the guys. The guys came out with so much energy, just a great performance and a deserved win.

It’s just the start of a long journey. We’ve got a lot more to do. It’s really, really great start and we should be proud but we’ve got to keep pushing and be ready for the next game.”

Star-studded crowd witnesses strong opening

The atmosphere at SoFi Stadium reflected the scale of the occasion, with singer Katy Perry performing before kick-off.

The crowd of more than 70,000 also included celebrities such as Tom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio and Halle Berry.

Paraguay’s only goal came in the 73rd minute through Brazil-born forward Mauricio after a brief lapse in the US defence.

The victory places the United States in a strong early position in Group D, with matches against Australia and Turkey still to come.