The United States kicked off their FIFA World Cup campaign in style with a commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay at the Los Angeles Stadium, producing an impressive attacking performance led by Folarin Balogun’s first-half brace.
The Americans controlled much of the contest and converted their chances efficiently to secure a convincing opening win. The United States made a dream start in the 7th minute when Weston McKennie’s effort forced an own goal from Paraguay’s Damián Bobadilla, handing the hosts an early lead. Balogun thought he had doubled the advantage midway through the first half, but his effort was ruled out for offside in the 28th minute. The forward responded almost immediately, finding the net in the 31st minute with a composed pinpoint finish from near the penalty spot after an excellent assist from Christian Pulisic.
Balogun struck again just before half-time, beating two defenders and clinically hitting the ball in the top of the net in the 44th minute with a well timed assist from Malik Tillman to give the United States a commanding three-goal cushion. Paraguay pulled one back in the 73rd minute through Mauricio, who finished off a move created by Julio Enciso with a low finish on the far post, but any hopes of a comeback were extinguished deep into stoppage time. Giovanni Reyna added a fourth goal in the 90+8th minute, calmly finishing at the far post after being set up by Alex Freeman.
With Balogun leading the attack and several key players contributing across the pitch, the United States delivered one of the standout performances of the opening round, laying down an early marker with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Paraguay.