The USMNT Paraguay win gave the United States a strong start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The U.S. Men’s National Team defeated Paraguay 4-1 on June 12 at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California.
Folarin Balogun scored twice in the first half. Gio Reyna added a late goal to seal a confident opening match for Team USA.
USMNT Paraguay Win Brings Early Control
The United States took control in the seventh minute. Paraguay midfielder Damián Bobadilla turned the ball into his own net after pressure from the U.S. attack.
Christian Pulisic helped create the play with a quick move into the box. Weston McKennie then sent the ball across goal, forcing the mistake.
The early lead helped settle the U.S. in front of 70,492 fans. According to U.S. Soccer, it was the largest USMNT World Cup crowd since 1994.
The U.S. kept pushing after the opening goal. Paraguay tried to respond with physical play, but Team USA found space and built momentum.
Balogun Leads Team USA Attack
Balogun doubled the lead in the 31st minute. Pulisic delivered a precise cross from the left side, and Balogun finished with a low shot.
The goal marked Balogun’s first career World Cup goal. It also gave Pulisic his third career World Cup assist, the most by any USMNT player.
Balogun struck again in first-half stoppage time. Malik Tillman sent a long pass forward, and Balogun stayed strong through a challenge before cutting inside.
He then curled a left-footed shot into the upper corner. The goal gave the United States a 3-0 halftime lead for the first time in program World Cup history.
Paraguay Pulls One Back Before Reyna Answers
Paraguay scored in the 73rd minute through Mauricio. Julio Enciso assisted the goal after a free kick sequence created trouble for the U.S. defense.
The goal made it 3-1, but the United States avoided a late collapse. Team USA continued to create chances and managed the final stretch with composure.
Reyna entered as a substitute in the 82nd minute. He scored in the eighth minute of stoppage time after a pass from Alex Freeman.
The goal was Reyna’s first in World Cup competition. It closed the match and gave the U.S. a valuable boost in goal difference.
What Comes Next for the United States
The result put the United States in a strong early position in Group D. The group also includes Australia and Türkiye.
Team USA next faces Australia on June 19 in Seattle. The U.S. will close group play against Türkiye on June 25 in Los Angeles.
The USMNT Paraguay win does not decide the tournament. Still, it gives Team USA three points, confidence, and a memorable start on home soil.