USA routs Paraguay 4-1 in World Cup 2026 opener as Balogun scores twice and Reyna adds late stunner

Early blitz

The United States needed barely seven minutes to take the lead when Paraguay defender Bobadilla turned a low cross into his own net under pressure from Weston McKennie and Christian Pulisic. The hosts kept their foot on the gas, forcing a disallowed Balogun goal for offside in the 28th minute before the Arsenal striker finally doubled the advantage. Pulisic drove down the left and cut the ball back for Balogun to slot home with his right foot in the 31st minute.

Balogun’s brace

Midfielder Malik Tillman provided the assist for Balogun’s second goal deep into first-half stoppage time. The forward finished calmly with his left foot to send the US into the interval with a 3‑0 lead. The home side registered overwhelming possession and pinned Paraguay in their own half for long periods throughout the opening 45 minutes.

Second-half cruise

Paraguay pulled one back in the 73rd minute when Mauricio tucked in a pass from Julio Enciso, but the contest was already decided. The United States reasserted control and capped the performance in the eighth minute of added time when substitute Giovanni Reyna unleashed a long-range shot into the top corner for the final 4‑1 scoreline.

Off-field spectacle

The Los Angeles stadium was sold out with 70,000 fans and drew celebrities including Tom Cruise, David Beckham and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Katy Perry performed during the pre‑match ceremony. President Donald Trump, who did not attend, sent a message to the squad expressing his belief that they can go all the way to the final. The US next faces Australia on 19 June, while Paraguay meets Turkey a day later.