Co-hosts the United States produced a dominant first-half display to take a 3-0 lead over Paraguay in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Los Angeles Stadium.
The hosts struck early when pressure inside the Paraguay box led to an own goal from Damián Bobadilla in the seventh minute. Christian Pulisic was heavily involved in the move as the Americans made a dream start in front of their home crowd.
The United States doubled their advantage in the 31st minute through Folarin Balogun. The striker finished a well-worked attack to put Mauricio Pochettino’s side firmly in control of the contest.
Balogun was not done yet. Deep into first-half stoppage time, the forward produced another moment of quality. After a slick attacking move, he dribbled past a defender and smashed a powerful shot into the net to make it 3-0 and complete his brace before the break.
Paraguay struggled to cope with the pace and movement of the American attack throughout the opening 45 minutes. The South Americans found it difficult to create meaningful chances, while the United States looked dangerous every time they went forward.
With a three-goal cushion and Balogun already scoring twice, the United States headed into the second half in a commanding position as they looked to begin their World Cup campaign with an emphatic victory.
