16 June 2026
USA Light Up Los Angeles in Dazzling World Cup Opener
Folarin Balogun scored twice as the host nation demolished Paraguay 4-1 at a sun-drenched Los Angeles stadium to announce themselves on the global stage.
The United States delivered a statement performance in their World Cup opener, brushing aside Paraguay 4-1 in front of a roaring Los Angeles crowd. According to The Guardian's Barney Ronay, the tournament suddenly felt like a genuine World Cup once the hosts got going in California.
The opening goal came from Weston McKennie's driving run, with a cutback deflected into the net by Paraguay's Damián Bobadilla. Folarin Balogun added a second before half time, and the former Arsenal striker finished with two goals on the night. Giovanni Reyna put the result beyond doubt in the final moments with a superb finish from the edge of the box.
Paraguay, who had beaten both Brazil and Argentina in qualifying, spent much of the game in a defensive shell. Mauricio Pochettino's side were in no mood to be contained, and the evening in Los Angeles served as a reminder that the host nation are a genuine force at this tournament.
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