The United States delivered the performance of a host nation with a dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their Group D opener at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Los Angeles on 12 June 2026. It was the first US men's World Cup match on home soil in over 30 years — since 1994 — and the biggest winning margin in USMNT World Cup history. (NPR)
Early own goal sets the tone
Christian Pulisic was the constant danger man, threading a ball through to Weston McKennie in the 7th minute that led to Paraguayan defender Damián Bobadilla turning the ball into his own net — the fastest World Cup goal in USMNT history.
Balogun's historic brace
Folarin Balogun turned a Pulisic cross into the net in the 31st minute, then struck again in the 45th to make it 3-0 at half-time. His two-goal haul is the first World Cup brace by a US player since the inaugural 1930 tournament. (Al Jazeera)
Pulisic injury a concern
Pulisic picked up a calf knock late in the first half and did not return for the second half, replaced by Sebastian Berhalter. His fitness will be monitored carefully ahead of upcoming group games.
Paraguay pull one back, Reyna seals it
Paraguay midfielder Mauricio scored in the 73rd to make it 3-1, but substitute Gio Reyna buried a late goal in stoppage time to complete a historic 4-1 US victory. (ESPN)
Goals
- 7': Bobadilla OG (Pulisic assist)
- 31': Balogun (Pulisic assist)
- 45': Balogun
- 73': Mauricio (Paraguay)
- 90'+: Gio Reyna
What this means
The US top Group D after matchday one with three points and a +3 goal difference, sending a clear message to the rest of the 2026 field that the hosts are a genuine threat. Stay with Malaab Al-An for full World Cup coverage.