The U.S. men’s national soccer team delivered a strong performance against Paraguay in their World Cup opener, securing a 4-1 win at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. From the beginning, the U.S. team dominated the match.

The first goal was scored in the 7th minute due to an own goal by Paraguayan midfielder Damián Bobadilla. Star striker Folarin Balogun increased the lead to 2-0 by successfully sliding the ball past Paraguay’s goalkeeper Orlando Gill in the 31st minute. Balogun scored again in the first half’s stoppage time, delivering a powerful shot to the top left corner of the goal.

Folarin Balogun celebrates a goal with teammates during the World Cup Group D match against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium on June 12, 2026, in Inglewood, California.

Though Paraguayan midfielder Mauricio scored in the 73rd minute, it wasn’t enough to alter the match’s outcome. In the second half’s stoppage time, winger Gio Reyna finalized the score with another impressive goal. This victory places the U.S. at the top of Group D, which also includes Australia and Turkey. The U.S. will next face Australia on June 19 in Seattle.

At the Qatar World Cup, the U.S. team had only scored three goals across four matches, never exceeding three goals in a single World Cup game. Under new coach Mauricio Pochettino, the team displayed enhanced creativity before 70,492 excited fans in Los Angeles.

Folarin Balogun, born in New York and raised in London, debuted in the World Cup with a two-goal performance, a first for a U.S. player since 1930. Balogun chose to play for the U.S. three years ago, leaving the English system where he faced tough competition for a spot on the roster. Now 24 and playing professionally for Monaco, he has become an essential striker for the U.S.

Christian Pulisic, who assisted in the first goal, was replaced by Sebastian Berhalter at halftime. The U.S. team didn’t confirm if Pulisic, an AC Milan player, was injured. However, he appeared to reassure his family in the stands. Pulisic’s impactful runs along the left flank created scoring opportunities, leading to the first goal when his pass deflected off Bobadilla’s foot.

Up against Paraguay’s defense, Pulisic was instrumental. Despite a disallowed goal for offside, Balogun scored soon after, following Pulisic’s deflected pass. As the first half concluded, Malik Tillman provided Balogun with a well-timed long pass, resulting in a spectacular goal.

The second half saw less cohesion without Pulisic, yet Reyna’s first World Cup goal provided a satisfying end to the game. His goal marked a personal victory following minimal playtime in Qatar.

The crowd included American celebrities and icons such as Tom Cruise, George Lucas, Bill Gates, Halle Berry, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.