The United States co-hosted the FIFA World Cup in spectacular fashion, defeating Paraguay 4-1 at SoFi Stadium in California. Playing before a crowd of 70,492 spectators in Los Angeles, the host nation delivered a dominant performance to secure their largest-ever margin of victory in a World Cup match. The fixture marked the tournament’s return to American soil for the first time since 1994.
Under the tactical guidance of newly appointed manager Mauricio Pochettino, the US men’s national team displayed a transformed attacking style. This single performance surpassed their entire goal tally from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they scored only three goals across four matches. Prior to this fixture, the United States had never scored more than three goals in any World Cup match.
Dominant First-Half Performance
The host nation established control early in the match, executing an aggressive strategy to secure a 3-0 lead by half-time—the largest first-half lead in the country’s World Cup history.
7th Minute: The United States opened the scoring through an own goal by a Paraguayan midfielder, initiated by an attacking play from Christian Pulisic.
31st Minute: Folarin Balogun scored his first goal of the match to double the lead.
45+5 Minute: Balogun scored his second goal deep into first-half stoppage time.
Balogun, the 24-year-old Monaco forward who chose to represent the United States over England three years ago, became the first American player since 1930 to score multiple goals in a World Cup debut.
Second-Half Transitions and Match Statistics
Key playmaker Christian Pulisic, who provided a vital assist and drove the team’s early momentum, was substituted at half-time by Sebastian Berhalter. Although the exact nature of his condition was not officially confirmed, Pulisic signaled to his family in the stands that he was uninjured.
Paraguay managed to pull a goal back in the 73rd minute through Prado Mauricio. However, Giovanni Reyna sealed the historic victory for the United States, converting a precise toe-flick inside the penalty box. The goal carried significant personal meaning for Reyna, who saw limited playing time during the 2022 World Cup due to a widely publicised family dispute involving former manager Gregg Berhalter.
Match Summary
| Statistic / Event | United States | Paraguay |
| Final Score | 4 | 1 |
| Half-Time Score | 3 | 0 |
| Goal Scorers | Own Goal (7′), F. Balogun (31′, 45+5′), G. Reyna | P. Mauricio (73′) |
| Stadium Attendance | 70,492 | — |
| Venue | SoFi Stadium, California | — |