USMNT Shocks Paraguay 4-1 Behind Balogun, Reyna, and Historic Start

The U.S. Men’s National Team delivered a stunning 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on a warm June night in Los Angeles. Folarin Balogun netted a brace while Gio Reyna added a highlight-reel finish in a performance that saw the Americans score four goals for the first time in World Cup history.

The game started with intensity as Paraguay nearly struck first in the second minute. The U.S. responded quickly and forced a sequence of chances before finding the opener in the 7th minute. Christian Pulisic made a bold run into the box, distributing to Weston McKennie, whose pass was misdirected by Paraguay’s Damian Bobadilla into his own net. McKennie was credited with the assist on the 1-0 goal.

The U.S. continued to dominate possession and extended their lead before halftime. Balogun, who came off the bench in the 28th minute after an earlier offside call, scored twice in the final moments of the first half to give the Americans a 3-0 advantage. The forward’s brace was the key to the half, as the U.S. outshot Paraguay 11-2 in the first 45 minutes.

Chris Richards, back to full fitness, anchored the defense alongside Tim Ream, who made his 68th World Cup appearance. Ream, however, picked up a yellow card in the 52nd minute after fouling Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron, leading to a VAR review. The foul resulted in a free kick that eventually led to Paraguay’s 73rd-minute goal from substitute Maurício, who came on at halftime.

The U.S. wasn’t done. Gio Reyna capped off the night with a stunning sidefooted goal in the 82nd minute to make it 4-1. The goal marked a historic moment for the U.S., as it was the first time in World Cup history they scored four goals in a single match.

Pulisic was substituted in the first half for Sebastian Berhalter due to injury. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino will address the midfielder’s status following the match, according to Fox Sports. Despite the early setback, the U.S. controlled the game and outshot Paraguay 20-7 overall.

With the win, the U.S. improved to 1-0 in Group A and set a new record for most goals scored in a World Cup match by the team. The Americans now have more goals in a single game than they scored in all four matches at the 2022 World Cup.

Next up for the U.S. is a crucial match against Mexico on June 17 in Chicago. A win would keep the U.S. on track for a potential World Cup record for most wins in the post-1990 era.