INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA | The United States opened its home World Cup with a 4–1 victory over Paraguay at SoFi Stadium, delivering the highest-scoring men’s World Cup performance in the national team’s history. Folarin Balogun scored twice in the first half, an own goal expanded the advantage and Gio Reyna added a late finish as Mauricio Pochettino’s team turned early pressure into a commanding Group D result.
The Americans controlled the opening stages by pressing Paraguay’s buildup and moving quickly through midfield after regaining possession. Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie helped create overloads, while fullbacks advanced to stretch the defense. Balogun’s movement between central defenders created passing lanes and gave the attack a reliable target.
Balogun became the first United States player since 1930 to score twice in a men’s World Cup match. His finishing rewarded a performance built on collective movement rather than isolated chances. A striker who can occupy defenders and combine with midfielders changes how opponents must defend Pulisic, Reyna and the rest of the American front line.
Paraguay reduced the margin in the second half, but the United States continued attacking instead of retreating into a narrow defensive block. Reyna’s late goal restored the three-goal advantage and gave the team a valuable early goal-difference lead.
The result was accompanied by concern over Pulisic, who left at halftime with a calf problem after playing a central role in the early goals. Pochettino described the substitution as precautionary, and Pulisic said the issue followed a kick. The team will monitor him closely because the group schedule provides limited recovery time.
The United States has more attacking depth than in previous cycles, but Pulisic remains its most influential creator and set-piece threat. Pochettino must decide whether to rest him, limit his minutes or return him quickly if medical tests are reassuring. A strong opening result gives the coach more flexibility.
The four-goal total has competitive value beyond the celebration. Goal difference can decide group standings, and a three-goal margin gives the Americans protection if later matches are tighter. The United States next faces Australia on June 19 before meeting Turkey.
Pochettino emphasized that the victory was built on team preparation and togetherness. The match supported that view: pressure came from several positions, multiple players contributed to goals and the team maintained intensity after substitutions. Stronger opponents will test the defensive transitions that appeared when numbers moved forward.
Paraguay must recover quickly after struggling to retain possession and protect wide areas. The result does not eliminate the team, but it reduces the room for error in its remaining matches and places greater importance on defensive organization.
The host nation received the opening it wanted: a clear victory, multiple scorers and an atmosphere capable of sustaining national attention. The performance also raises expectations. The team must show that its pressure and movement can work when an opponent defends more effectively or controls possession for longer periods.
Balogun’s finishing, Reyna’s contribution and the collective press provide a credible attacking foundation. Pulisic’s health, defensive transition and the ability to repeat the intensity are the immediate questions.
Additional Reporting By: Reuters match report; Reuters tactical analysis; Associated Press; FIFA