Key facts
- The United States defeated Paraguay 4-1 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D opener at SoFi Stadium.
- Folarin Balogun scored two goals for the USMNT.
- Damián Bobadilla of Paraguay scored an own goal.
- The USMNT led 3-0 at halftime.
- Paraguay's only goal was scored by substitute Maurício.
- Canada drew 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina in their opening match.
The United States men's national soccer team began their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay at SoFi Stadium. Folarin Balogun scored two goals, and Giovanni Reyna added a late strike to seal the win. Paraguay's Damián Bobadilla scored an own goal, and the USMNT held a 3-0 lead at halftime. Substitute Maurício scored Paraguay's lone goal in the second half. Christian Pulisic was instrumental in creating early chances for the USMNT. The match, played in front of a sell-out crowd of 70,492, was the first men's World Cup match in Los Angeles in 32 years and featured a pregame concert by Katy Perry. High-profile attendees included Tom Cruise, David Beckham, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Paraguay President Santiago Pena, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. In another opening-day fixture, co-hosts Canada drew 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto. The tournament has been marked by exciting matches and passionate fan support.