Sports News : Co-hosts United States Men’s National Soccer Team made an impressive start to their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a convincing 4-1 victory over Paraguay National Football Team in a Group D match on Saturday.
Played at SoFi Stadium, the match saw striker Folarin Balogun score twice to lead the Americans to a comfortable win.
Early Dominance by the USA
The United States started aggressively and took the lead in the seventh minute when Paraguay midfielder Damian Bobadilla accidentally turned the ball into his own net while attempting to clear it.
The early breakthrough gave the hosts confidence, and they continued to put pressure on Paraguay’s defense throughout the first half.
Balogun Shines with Two Goals
Taking advantage of Paraguay’s defensive struggles, Folarin Balogun scored two first-half goals, helping the United States build a commanding 3-0 lead before the break.
His pace, movement, and clinical finishing proved too much for the Paraguayan backline.
Paraguay Pulls One Back
At the start of the second half, USA coach Mauricio Pochettino rested star player Christian Pulisic. Despite not adding another goal immediately, the Americans maintained control of the game.
Paraguay substitute Mauricio scored in the 74th minute to reduce the deficit, but the visitors were unable to mount a comeback.
Reyna Seals the Victory
In the closing stages of the match, Giovanni Reyna added a fourth goal to complete a dominant 4-1 victory for the hosts.
USA Tops Group D
With the win, the United States moved to the top of Group D, at least temporarily. The group’s other fixture will see Türkiye National Football Team face Australia National Soccer Team.
The emphatic victory sends a strong message from the co-hosts as they look to make a deep run in the tournament on home soil.
