The United States men's national team couldn't have scripted a much better start to its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
Playing in front of an energized crowd at SoFi Stadium on Friday night, the Americans opened the tournament with an impressive 4-1 victory over Paraguay. Mauricio Pochettino's squad attacked from the opening whistle, took an early lead and never looked back as the United States earned three crucial points in Group D.
The win immediately puts the Americans in a strong position heading into next week's matchup against Australia, while also providing a confidence boost for a team facing massive expectations as one of the tournament's host nations.
Following the victory,it was announced striker Folarin Balogun as the team's Player of the Match.
Folarin Balogun Earns Player Of The Match Honors
Balogun delivered one of the best performances of his international career on the sport's biggest stage.
After the United States grabbed an early lead through a Paraguay own goal from Damián Bobadilla, Balogun doubled the advantage in the 31st minute. The AS Monaco striker wasn't finished.
Deep into first-half stoppage time, Balogun struck again in the 45+6 minute to give the Americans complete control of the match entering halftime.
The two-goal performance helped power the United States to victory and made him the obvious choice for Player of the Match honors.
For a player expected to be one of the focal points of the American attack throughout the tournament, Friday was exactly the type of statement performance the USMNT was hoping to see.
Tim Ream Makes USMNT History
The victory also marked a historic night for veteran captain Tim Ream.
At 38 years and 250 days old, Ream became the oldest player ever to appear for the United States in a World Cup match.
The longtime national team defender was a calming presence throughout the evening and helped guide a back line that largely controlled Paraguay's attack.
Ream's journey is one of the more remarkable stories in U.S. soccer. After making his senior national team debut in 2010, he has now appeared in World Cup matches across two different decades and remains a key leader for one of the most talented American squads ever assembled.
While younger stars grabbed the headlines, Ream's milestone added another memorable chapter to an outstanding international career.
United States Controlled the Start Of Group D
After the early goal, the Americans led the rest of the way out.
Paraguay managed to pull one back in the 73rd minute through Mauricio, but the Americans comfortably saw out the remainder of the contest. Giovanni Reyna scored in the final seconds to secure a 4-1 win.
Just as importantly, the performance showcased the attacking style Pochettino has been trying to build since taking over the program.
Australia Up Next
With Paraguay now behind them, the Americans quickly turn their attention to Australia.
The two nations are scheduled to meet June 19 in Seattle in what could prove to be one of the most important matches of Group D. A second consecutive victory would put the United States in a strong position to advance to the knockout stage before its final group match against Türkiye.
For now, though, the focus belongs to Balogun.
The USMNT needed a star to step forward on opening night. Their striker answered the call.
