Balogun brace fires USA to 4-1 win over Paraguay in FIFA WC 2026 opener
Synopsis
The USA's first home World Cup match in 32 years delivered exactly what the hosts needed — a dominant 4-1 win over Paraguay, powered by a stunning Folarin Balogun brace and a Gio Reyna stoppage-time curler. With Pulisic pulling strings and the SoFi Stadium crowd roaring, Pochettino's side have sent an early statement of intent in Group D.
Key Takeaways
USA beat Paraguay 4-1 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D opener at SoFi Stadium, California on 13 June .
Folarin Balogun scored twice — in the 31st minute and first-half stoppage time — to put the hosts in complete control.
Damian Bobadilla's own goal in the 7th minute gave the USA the perfect start.
Mauricio pulled one back for Paraguay in the 74th minute , but Gio Reyna sealed the win with a late counterattack finish.
The victory is the USA's first home World Cup win since 1994 ; they next face Australia in Seattle on 19 June .
Folarin Balogun scored twice and Gio Reyna capped a commanding performance as the United States opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a 4-1 victory over Paraguay in a Group D clash at SoFi Stadium, California, on Saturday, 13 June. Playing a World Cup home match for the first time since 1994, the co-hosts were dominant from kick-off and rarely allowed the South Americans a foothold in the contest.
Early Own Goal Sets the Tone
The USA were ahead inside seven minutes when Paraguay midfielder Damian Bobadilla inadvertently turned Weston McKennie's dangerous delivery into his own net while attempting to clear. The early breakthrough handed coach Mauricio Pochettino's side territorial control and allowed them to pin Paraguay deep. Christian Pulisic was at the heart of most threatening moves, stretching the South American defence repeatedly.
Balogun Steals the Show in the First Half
Balogun had a goal disallowed for offside before the half-hour mark, but he did not have to wait long. In the 31st minute, Pulisic threaded a precise pass through the Paraguay backline and Balogun finished calmly first time to make it 2-0. The striker then delivered the pick of the night in first-half stoppage time — receiving from Malik Tillman on the right of the area, cutting inside two defenders, and curling a shot into the top corner to give the USA a 3-0 lead at the break. Pulisic, who had been instrumental, was withdrawn at halftime by Pochettino.
Paraguay's Brief Glimmer and USA's Decisive Response
Paraguay showed greater urgency after the interval and pulled one back in the 74th minute. Julio Enciso reacted sharply to a loose ball and teed up Mauricio, who beat goalkeeper Matt Freese with a low finish to make it 3-1. Substitute Ricardo Pepi almost immediately restored the three-goal cushion but was denied by goalkeeper Orlando Gil. Any lingering Paraguayan comeback hopes were extinguished deep in stoppage time when Reyna completed a swift counterattack with a composed outside-of-the-boot finish past Gil to seal the 4-1 scoreline.
Group D Standings and What Comes Next
The result temporarily lifts the United States to the top of Group D, pending Türkiye's match against Australia later the same day. The co-hosts next face Australia in Seattle on 19 June, while Paraguay will look to regroup against Türkiye on the same date. A home World Cup opening win, 32 years in the making, sets an early marker for American ambitions in a tournament they are co-hosting with Canada and Mexico.
Point of View
But the USA's real test comes in the knockout rounds, not against a Paraguay side that offered little until the 74th minute. Balogun's finishing was sharp, yet the Americans' defensive shape — exposed briefly when Paraguay pulled one back — will face far sterner examinations. Pochettino's decision to withdraw Pulisic at halftime with the game already won was sensible squad management, but it underlined how dependent the attack remains on one creative fulcrum. The co-host advantage is real, but it only matters if the squad depth holds through a condensed group stage.
NationPress
11 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score in USA vs Paraguay at FIFA World Cup 2026?
The United States defeated Paraguay 4-1 in their Group D opener at SoFi Stadium, California, on 13 June 2026. Goals came from a Damian Bobadilla own goal, a Folarin Balogun brace, and a late Gio Reyna finish, with Mauricio scoring Paraguay's consolation.
Who scored for the USA against Paraguay in the World Cup?
Folarin Balogun scored twice — in the 31st minute and first-half stoppage time — while Gio Reyna added a fourth deep in stoppage time. The opening goal was an own goal by Paraguay's Damian Bobadilla in the 7th minute.
When is the USA's next FIFA World Cup 2026 match?
The United States face Australia in Seattle on 19 June 2026, their second Group D fixture. Paraguay also play on the same day, taking on Türkiye.
Why is this USA World Cup win historically significant?
It is the first time the United States have won a World Cup match on home soil since 1994, when they last hosted the tournament. The 2026 edition is co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Where does the USA stand in Group D after the opener?
The win temporarily places the USA at the top of Group D, pending Türkiye's match against Australia later on 13 June. Three points from the opener gives Pochettino's side an early advantage in the standings.
