LOS ANGELES, USA – Co-hosts USA announced themselves as genuine contenders at the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their Group D opener at Los Angeles Stadium on Friday night.
In front of a passionate home crowd, Mauricio Pochettino’s side delivered an attacking masterclass led by a brilliant brace from Folarin Balogun before substitute Giovanni Reyna capped off the evening with a stunning stoppage-time strike.
The Americans took control early and never looked back, overwhelming Paraguay with their intensity, pace and movement.
The breakthrough arrived in the seventh minute when Paraguay midfielder Damián Bobadilla inadvertently turned Christian Pulisic’s dangerous cross into his own net under pressure from the advancing American attackers.
Boosted by the early advantage, the hosts continued to dominate possession and create chances. Their persistence paid off in the 31st minute when Pulisic burst down the left flank before delivering a perfect pass for Balogun, who calmly slotted home to double the lead.
Paraguay struggled to cope with the Americans’ relentless pressing and quick transitions. Just before halftime, Balogun struck again, latching onto a precise through ball from Malik Tillman before cutting inside and firing a superb finish into the top corner to make it 3-0.
The goal effectively killed off the contest before the break and sent the home fans into celebration mode.
Paraguay attempted to respond after halftime but found veteran USA captain Tim Ream and the American backline in uncompromising form. The 38-year-old defender produced a commanding display, winning aerial duels and organizing the defense expertly throughout the match.
The South Americans finally found a breakthrough in the 73rd minute when Julio Enciso threaded an excellent pass into the path of Mauricio, who finished clinically to reduce the deficit to 3-1.
However, any hopes of a late comeback were quickly extinguished as the USA remained in control and continued to threaten on the counterattack.
With the final seconds ticking away, substitute Giovanni Reyna produced the moment of the match. Receiving a pass from Alex Freeman deep into stoppage time, Reyna drove forward before unleashing a sensational right-footed trivela effort that curled beyond goalkeeper Orlando Gill and into the corner of the net.
The spectacular strike sealed a memorable 4-1 victory and ensured the Americans finished the evening atop Group D.
The result represents one of the most convincing opening-match performances by the United States in World Cup history and sends a strong warning to the rest of the tournament.
Match Summary
FIFA World Cup 2026 – Group D
USA 4-1 Paraguay
Goals:
- 7′ Damián Bobadilla (Own Goal)
- 31′ Folarin Balogun (Christian Pulisic)
- 45+5′ Folarin Balogun (Malik Tillman)
- 73′ Mauricio (Julio Enciso)
- 90+8′ Giovanni Reyna (Alex Freeman)
Player of the Match: Folarin Balogun (USA)
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