The USMNT had a perfect start to the 2026 World Cup after beating Paraguay 4-1 at the Los Angeles Stadium.
The United States had a perfect first half and took the lead in the 7th minute through an own goal from Damian Bobadilla.
It came from a great dribble from Christian Pulisic towards the box and a pass from Weston McKennie in the box that was deflected from the Paraguayan defender into his own net.
In the 31st minute, Balogun scored the USMNT's second goal of the day after a great pass from Pulisic. Before halftime, Balogun would grab his second goal after a great through ball from Malik Tillman.
Balogun got past one defender and finished it into the top left corner to make it 3-0 for Team USA. The USMNT played with intensity and fluid football, which caused Paraguay many problems.
Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
In the second half, the USMNT maintained their high intensity and had chances to score early, even without Pulisic, who was taken off before the second half started.
Paraguay would get a goal back in the 73rd minute of the match through a goal from Mauricio. In the last minute of the match, substitute Gio Reyna scored arguably the best goal of the tournament so far with a trivela shot at the edge of the box.
Many from the USMNT starting lineup performed great against Paraguay, especially in the first half, where all three of their goals arrived.
Malik Tillman and Folarin Balogun were the best of the bunch, with Balogun scoring a brace and Tillman providing an assist and creating the most chances with three.
USMNT Player Ratings vs Paraguay (1-10)
- Matt Freese - 6
- Alex Freeman - 8
- Chris Richards - 8
- Tim Ream - 6
- Antonee Robinson - 7
- Tyler Adams - 7
- Malik Tillman - 9
- Weston McKennie - 7
- Sergiño Dest - 7
- Christian Pulisic - 8
- Folarin Balogun - 9 (Man of the Match)
Subs: Sebastian Berhalter (5), Ricardo Pepi (5), Tim Weah (5), Gio Reyna (7)
