Balogun Shines as the United States Crushes Paraguay in Their Opening Match of the 2026 World Cup.

The United States delivered a stark warning to their rivals in 2026 World Cup Group D after claiming a convincing 4-1 victory over Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium on Saturday 13 June WIB. Folarin Balogun starred for The Stars and Stripes, bagging two goals on the night.  

This result marks the perfect opening for Mauricio Pochettino's side as they target a deep run in Football's biggest global tournament. The three points sees The United States sit at the top of the provisional Group D standings.

The United States took an aggressive approach, pressing Paraguay's defence immediately from kickoff. Backed by tens of thousands of home supporters, Christian Pulisic and his teammates grew in confidence as they dominated possession.

The United States broke the deadlock in the 7th minute. A cross from Weston McKennie deflected off Damián Bobadilla, sending the ball into his own net with goalkeeper Orlando Gill completely helpless to react. Bobadilla's own goal put the USA ahead 1-0.

The early strike further lifted the home side's confidence. In the 31st minute, Pulisic played a weighted pass into the path of Folarin Balogun. The AS Monaco forward coolly converted the chance to double the lead to 2-0.

Balogun showcased his finishing quality once again on the stroke of first half stoppage time. Running onto a sharp through ball from Malik Tillman, the 24-year-old striker skipped past two Paraguay defenders before firing home his second goal of the match.  

The first half concluded with the United States holding a comfortable 3-0 advantage.

After the restart, Mauricio Pochettino's squad shifted to controlled possession football having built their three-goal cushion.

Paraguay capitalised on this change of tempo to pull a goal back in the 73rd minute, with substitute Mauricio finding the net to make the score 1-3.

This strike briefly reignited Paraguay's hopes of mounting a comeback, however the United States closed ranks and denied their opponents any space to build further attacking momentum.

The United States confirmed the victory in the 90+8th minute. Gio Reyna unleashed a curling effort into the far corner of Paraguay's goal, leaving Orlando Gill rooted to the spot. The 4-1 scoreline held until the final whistle.

Match Lineups

United States: Matthew Freese (GK), Alexander Freeman, Chris Richards, Tim Ream (C), Antonee Robinson, Malik Tillman, Tyler Adams, Sergino Dest, Weston McKennie, Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun.
Head Coach: Mauricio Pochettino.

Paraguay: Orlando Gill (GK), Juan Caceres, Gustavo Gomez (C), Omar Alderete, Junior Alonso, Diego Gomez, Andres Cubas, Damian Bobadilla, Miguel Almiron, Antonio Sanabria, Julio Enciso.
Head Coach: Gustavo Alfaro.