United States Opens Home World Cup with Record 4-1 Victory Over Paraguay

Inglewood, The Gulf Observer: The United States men’s national soccer team launched its FIFA World Cup campaign in emphatic fashion with a 4-1 victory over Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium, marking the first FIFA World Cup match played on U.S. soil in more than three decades.

The hosts took an early lead in the seventh minute when a pass from Weston McKennie deflected off Paraguay defender Damian Bobadilla and into the net for an own goal.

The United States extended its advantage through Folarin Balogun, who scored twice before halftime. His first goal came in the 31st minute after a cross from Christian Pulisic found him in a dangerous position. Balogun struck again in first-half stoppage time, creating space between defenders before firing a shot into the upper corner.

Pulisic was substituted at halftime and replaced by Sebastian Berhalter. Following the match, Pulisic revealed he had suffered a knock to his calf during the first half but expressed optimism that the injury was not serious. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino said he expected the captain to be available for the team’s next fixture.

Paraguay reduced the deficit in the 73rd minute through midfielder Mauricio. However, substitute Gio Reyna restored the three-goal cushion in stoppage time, sealing a dominant opening-night performance for the Americans.

Balogun’s two-goal display was historic, becoming the first U.S. player to score a brace in a World Cup match since 1930. Born in New York City to Nigerian parents and raised in London, Balogun committed his international future to the United States in 2023.

The victory also established a new scoring benchmark for the U.S. men’s national team, which had never previously scored more than three goals in a World Cup match.

The United States will continue its Group Stage campaign against Australia on June 19 in Seattle before facing Turkey on June 25 in Los Angeles.