Pulisic shines before an early precautionary exit as Mauricio Pochettino’s side overwhelms Paraguay in Inglewood.
The United States opened its home FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in spectacular fashion, cruising to a dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay in front of an enthusiastic crowd in Inglewood, California.
Mauricio Pochettino’s team answered many of the questions surrounding its form with an attacking display full of energy, quality, and confidence. Folarin Balogun stole the spotlight with two goals, while Christian Pulisic played a decisive role before leaving at halftime as a precaution due to a minor calf issue.
The Americans wasted little time asserting control. Just seven minutes into the match, Pulisic dribbled past two defenders inside the box and delivered a dangerous ball across goal. Paraguay midfielder Bobadilla inadvertently turned it into his own net, handing the hosts an early lead.
Balogun thought he had doubled the advantage before the half-hour mark, but his effort was ruled out for offside. The striker would not have to wait long. In the 31st minute, Pulisic again provided the service, finding Balogun, who fired a precise finish beyond goalkeeper Gill to make it 2-0.
The Monaco forward struck again deep into first-half stoppage time. Driving into the penalty area, Balogun unleashed a powerful left-footed shot that flew into the top corner, giving the United States a commanding 3-0 lead before the break.
With the game seemingly under control, Pulisic was substituted at halftime after feeling discomfort in his calf. The AC Milan star later reassured supporters that the change was purely precautionary and that the issue did not appear serious.
Paraguay briefly threatened a comeback in the 73rd minute when substitute Mauricio, a Brazilian-born naturalized Paraguayan international, finished a well-worked team move to reduce the deficit to 3-1.
Any hopes of a late rally quickly disappeared, however. The United States remained in control and added a fourth goal in the eighth minute of stoppage time. Substitute Gio Reyna produced a moment of quality, finishing with the outside of his right foot to cap a memorable evening for the hosts.
The convincing victory places the United States at the top of its group after Matchday 1 and sends a strong message to the rest of the tournament field.
Match Report: United States 4-1 Paraguay
Goals: 7′ Own Goal Bobadilla (USA), 31′ Balogun (USA), 45+5′ Balogun (USA), 73′ Mauricio (PAR), 90+8′ Reyna (USA)
United States (4-2-3-1): Freese; Freeman, Richards, Ream, M. Robinson; Adams, Tillman (82′ Reyna); Dest (72′ Weah), McKennie, Pulisic (46′ Berhalter); Balogun (72′ Pepi).
Head Coach: Mauricio Pochettino
Paraguay (4-4-2): Gill; Caceres (79′ Velazquez), G. Gomez, Alderete, Alonso; D. Gomez (79′ Gamarra), Bobadilla (46′ Mauricio), Cubas, Almiron (79′ Sosa); Sanabria (62′ Arce), Enciso.
Head Coach: Gustavo Alfaro
Referee: Danny Makkelie
Yellow Cards: None
Red Cards: None
Venue: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood – FIFA World Cup 2026
