Folarin Balogun Leads USMNT to Dominant 4-1 World Cup Win Over Paraguay

The United States men’s national team defeated Paraguay 4-1 in their FIFA World Cup opener on Friday, June 12, 2026, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Striker Folarin Balogun scored two first-half goals, contributing to the first time the U.S. has ever scored four goals in a single World Cup match, according to match reports.

How did the U.S. secure the 4-1 victory?

Folarin Balogun led the offense with two goals in the first half. His first was a one-timer following a pass from Christian Pulisic, and his second was a 62 mph left-footed shot from eight feet that hit the top corner of the net.

View this post on Instagram about Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna

From Instagram — related to Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna

The scoring began within the first seven minutes via a Paraguay own-goal. This play resulted from the attacking work of Christian Pulisic of AC Milan and Weston McKennie of Juventus.

Reserve player Gio Reyna added a final goal shortly before the whistle. Pulisic, who played a key role in the first half, sat out the second half after taking a kick to the calf, according to coach Mauricio Pochettino.

Did You Know? Before Balogun’s two goals on Friday, the last American man to score more than one goal in a World Cup game was Bert Patenaude, who recorded a hat trick against Paraguay in 1930.

Why is this win historically significant?

The victory marks a record for the most goals scored by the U.S. men in a single World Cup game. The match also drew 70,492 fans, the largest crowd to watch the U.S. men’s team play since the 1994 World Cup.

EVERY ANGLE of Folarin Balogun's first GOAL 🔥 United States vs Paraguay 2026 FIFA World Cup™

The win is notable because Paraguay recently defeated both Brazil and Argentina during World Cup qualifying. Former U.S. standout Alexi Lalas told Fox Sports that the first 45 minutes plus stoppage time were “the greatest half of group play from a men’s team at a World Cup in history.”

The event attracted high-profile attendees, including George Lucas, Tom Cruise, Hilary Duff, David Beckham, Katy Perry, and Jamie Foxx. Defender Chris Richards also set a benchmark, completing 83 passes with 100% accuracy, the most by any player in a World Cup match since 1966, per ESPN Insights.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that this performance serves as a critical psychological pivot for the team. By securing a dominant win against a high-caliber opponent like Paraguay, the U.S. has shifted the narrative from Pulisic’s previous scoring droughts to a more cohesive, multi-threat attacking strategy.

What happens next for Team USA?

The U.S. men’s team is scheduled to play its second group game against Australia in Seattle on June 19. The team’s tactical approach may depend on the health of Christian Pulisic.

Coach Mauricio Pochettino stated that the team is hopeful Pulisic will be available for the next match. Additionally, Gio Reyna may see increased playing time in a “super sub” role following his goal on Friday.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who scored the goals for the United States?
Folarin Balogun scored two goals, Gio Reyna scored one, and one goal was a Paraguay own-goal.

What is the significance of Folarin Balogun’s performance?
Balogun is now tied for fifth for the most career World Cup goals in USMNT history.

When and where is the next U.S. match?
The U.S. will play Australia in Seattle on June 19.

Do you think the U.S. can maintain this offensive momentum against Australia?