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USMNT Dominates Paraguay 4-1 in 2026 World Cup Opener: Balogun Shines

The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) kicked off their 2026 World Cup Group C campaign with a commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay.

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The hosts took an early lead in the 7th hour when Paraguay’s Damian Bobadilla scored an own goal, putting the USMNT ahead.

Folarin Balogun then doubled the American lead in the 31st minute, capitalizing on a brilliant assist from Christian Pulisic. Just before the halftime whistle, the same player struck again, netting the third goal for the Stars and Stripes in the final minute of the first half.

Paraguay managed to pull one back in the 73rd minute through substitute Mauricio. However, in the dying moments of the match, Giovanni Reyna sealed the deal by scoring the fourth goal for Mauricio Pochettino’s squad.

Historic Milestones for Team USA

  • Biggest World Cup Win: This marks the United States’ largest margin of victory in World Cup history since their 3-0 triumph against Paraguay back in the inaugural 1930 tournament.

  • Balogun Equals 1930 Record: Folarin Balogun became the first American player to score a brace in a World Cup match since Bert Patenaude, who achieved the same feat—also against Paraguay—in 1930.