LOS ANGELES — The U.S. men’s national soccer team opened the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 4-1 victory over Paraguay on Friday at Los Angeles Stadium.
Folarin Balogun scored twice, while an own goal by Paraguay’s Damian Bobadilla and a late strike by Giovanni Reyna completed the scoring for the hosts in Group D. Paraguay replied with a second-half goal.
The match, played before a capacity crowd at the SoFi Stadium venue, marked the United States’ first game in the expanded 48-team tournament being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. It was the first time the U.S. has hosted the men’s World Cup since 1994.
The Americans took control early, building a 3-0 lead by halftime. Bobadilla turned a cross into his own net in the seventh minute, and Balogun added goals in the 31st and 45th minutes, according to match reports. Reyna scored in stoppage time.
Paraguay pulled one back in the second half, but the U.S. maintained its advantage to secure the three points. The result represented one of the largest margins of victory for the U.S. in a World Cup match since 1930.
U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed satisfaction with the performance. “The fans’ energy amazed me,” he said after the match, according to team statements.
The victory gives the U.S. an early edge in Group D. The team’s next match is scheduled against Australia on June 19. Paraguay will look to rebound in its subsequent group games.
The opening ceremony before the match featured performances by international artists, drawing significant attention as the tournament kicked off across North America. Celebrities including actors and former players were among those in attendance.
FIFA officials described the match as a strong start for one of the host nations. Both teams fielded competitive lineups, with the U.S. leveraging home advantage and attacking play.
As of Saturday, the U.S. sits atop its group with three points. Further results in the group stage will determine advancement to the knockout rounds. Details on attendance and exact possession statistics were not immediately available in all reports.
