The U.S. Men’s National Team started its home World Cup in an exciting way, beating Paraguay 4-1 in the Group D opener at SoFi Stadium on Friday night, Yankee Scores reports.
Fast Start Sets the Tone
The hosts quickly took charge. Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie celebrated an early own goal by Paraguay’s Damian Bobadilla, putting the Americans ahead 1-0 in the seventh minute.
From there, Folarin Balogun took control. In the 31st minute, a Pulisic cross found Balogun’s foot and then the back of the net for 2-0.
He wasn’t finished, in stoppage time before halftime Balogun dodged two defenders, found space, and placed a perfect shot into the upper corner past Paraguay’s goalkeeper Orlando Gill to make it 3-0 at the break, per ESPN
Opening Statement. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/yhWOQbVlV8
— U.S. Soccer Men’s National Team (@USMNT) June 13, 2026
A Halftime Scare
The only downside on an otherwise flawless night came when Pulisic was substituted at halftime.
He later told reporters that he was taken off as a precaution after a kick to his left calf, saying he was “really hoping that it’s nothing.”
His replacement, Sebastian Berhalter, made history as the second son to follow a father in representing the U.S. at a World Cup, with his dad Gregg Berhalter having played in 2002.
Paraguay Responds, Reyna Seals It
Paraguay pulled one back when substitute Mauricio scored in the 73rd minute, taking advantage of a moment of distraction from the USMNT.
But the Americans had the final word as Gio Reyna scored with the last kick of the game, finishing with an impressive trivela shot.
Looking Ahead
This win marked the USMNT’s first three-goal World Cup victory since 1930. The team will next face Australia in Seattle on June 19 before returning to LA to play against Turkey on June 25.
