Photo: Kiyoshi Mio ~ Imagn Images
Los Angeles ~ The United States men’s national team opened its 2026 World Cup campaign with a 4-1 win over Paraguay on Friday night in Los Angeles, delivering a composed and largely dominant performance in front of a home crowd. The Americans struck early when sustained pressure led to an own goal in the seventh minute, setting the tone for a first half in which they controlled possession and dictated tempo.
Folarin Balogun extended the lead with two first-half goals, scoring in the 31st minute and again in first-half stoppage time. Both goals came from quick passing sequences that exposed Paraguay’s defensive gaps. By halftime, the United States held a 3-0 advantage and had limited Paraguay’s attacking chances while maintaining steady control in midfield.
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(CONTINUED) The match statistics reflected that control. The United States finished with about 65% possession and outshot Paraguay 16-9, including a 6-1 edge in shots on target. The Americans also held a 3-1 advantage in corner kicks and consistently created opportunities in the attacking third, recording a high number of touches inside the penalty area. Paraguay’s only goal came in the 73rd minute, when Mauricio finished a counterattack to cut the deficit to 3-1.
Any remaining uncertainty was removed in stoppage time when Gio Reyna scored to make it 4-1. The result gives the United States an early boost in Group D and reflects a strong start for a team expected to contend on home soil. The United States will next face Australia on June 19 in Seattle.
