The Los Angeles Stadium was packed with 70,492 fans, and the stands glittered with Hollywood stars and the Beckham family as the United States men's national team opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a resounding 4-1 victory over Paraguay. Among the goalscorers was Folarin Balogun, a former England Under-21 international who scored twice on his World Cup debut, announcing the US as a serious contender on home soil.
The 2026 World Cup is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, and this match was the US team's first in the tournament. They are managed by Mauricio Pochettino, the former Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain boss, who urged his players to play with 'joy and focus'—advice he said he received from a member of Argentina's 1986 World Cup-winning side. The US responded by dominating the first half, with Christian Pulisic and Malik Tillman tormenting the Paraguayan defence. The opening goal came in the 10th minute when Weston McKennie's shot deflected off Damián Bobadilla and into the net. Balogun then struck twice: first in the 31st minute from a Pulisic cross, and then just before half-time after a neat run and finish. Paraguay pulled a goal back in the 73rd minute, but the US held firm for a convincing win.
“An explainer on the USA's 2026 World Cup opener win over Paraguay, Balogun's role, and what it means for UK fans.”
For UK readers, the US team features several familiar faces from the Premier League and European football. Pulisic formerly starred for Chelsea, McKennie plays for Juventus (though he had a stint at Leeds United), and Balogun—who was born in New York but raised in England—came through the Arsenal academy. Balogun's decision to represent the US rather than England has been a talking point, and his performance in this match underlined his quality. The US result also shapes the World Cup landscape, potentially affecting England's path in the knockout stages if the two teams meet later in the tournament.
Q: Who scored for the USA against Paraguay? The USA's goals came from an own goal by Damián Bobadilla (after a Weston McKennie shot), a brace from Folarin Balogun, and a fourth goal from another US player not detailed in reports. Paraguay's solitary goal was scored in the 73rd minute.
Q: Why is Folarin Balogun playing for the USA? Balogun was born in New York, grew up in England, and represented England at youth levels, including the Under-21 team. However, he switched his international allegiance to the United States in 2023 through his father, making him eligible to play for the US senior team.
Q: How did the USA's performance compare to previous World Cups? Past US teams often took their foot off the gas after scoring, but this group maintained relentless pressure throughout the first half, playing with creativity and confidence. Manager Pochettino's tactical approach and the players' execution marked a significant step up in ambition for a team long aspiring to impress at a home World Cup.
What happens next? The US will continue their Group D campaign with further group matches against other opponents. The exact schedule for their remaining games has not been detailed in these sources, but the team will aim to build on this emphatic start to progress to the knockout stages.