Balogun Double Sparks USMNT Rout as USA Open World Cup in Style with 4–1 Thrashing of Paraguay

 



By Abdulahi Musa 


The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in spectacular fashion with a commanding 4–1 victory over Paraguay in Los Angeles, led by a brilliant performance from striker Folarin Balogun.


Mauricio Pochettino’s side made a dream start to the tournament, taking control early after a seventh-minute own goal from Paraguay’s Damián Bobadilla. From there, the Americans never looked back, dominating possession and attacking with intensity.


Balogun stole the spotlight with a clinical first-half brace. The forward doubled the lead in the 31st minute with a composed finish before striking again just before halftime, firing a powerful effort into the top corner to make it 3–0 at the break. His movement and sharp finishing proved decisive as the USMNT overwhelmed their opponents.


Paraguay managed a consolation goal in the second half through Maurício, briefly testing the U.S. defense, but the momentum remained firmly with the hosts. Deep into stoppage time, Giovanni Reyna added a fourth goal to seal a historic result.


The win marked a record-setting start for the USMNT, with the team producing one of their most dominant World Cup performances on home soil. Pochettino’s tactical setup and attacking approach were widely praised, while Balogun’s brace confirmed his growing status as a key figure in the squad.


The result sends the United States to the top of Group D and sets up their next fixture against Australia in Seattle.

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