USMNT Triumph Over Paraguay in World Cup Opener

The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) and Paraguay faced off at 9 p.m. ET at the Los Angeles Stadium. Under the guidance of coach Mauricio Pochettino, the USMNT entered the match ranked 17th in the FIFA World Rankings.

The United States got off to a strong start in their World Cup group stage match. Paraguay’s Damián Bobadilla accidentally scored an own goal in the sixth minute, giving the American team an early lead.

Christian Pulisic of the United States celebrates with teammates after the first goal, an own goal by Paraguay’s Damian Bobadilla on June 12, 2026, in Inglewood, California. (Kiyoshi Mio/Imagn Images)

Excitement filled the packed stadium in Inglewood, California, as US fans celebrated their team’s advantage.

Folarin Balogun scored in the 30th minute, doubling the lead for the United States. The New York native marked his debut World Cup goal, a significant moment in his career.

Balogun’s goal placed the U.S. ahead with a two-goal margin, one of the quickest instances they achieved this in a World Cup match.

The only faster instances were against Portugal in 2002 (29th minute) and Paraguay in 1930 (15th minute).

Folarin Balogun of the United States celebrates with teammates after scoring the USMNT’s second goal on June 12, 2026, in Inglewood, California. (Gary Vasquez/Imagn Images)

Just before the break, Balogun scored again, further extending the U.S. lead. This ignited the crowd, as they cheered enthusiastically for Balogun’s impressive performance.

Balogun raced onto a precise pass from Malik Tillman, curling the ball into the top-left corner, marking a standout goal.

With this lead, Team USA entered halftime ahead 3-0.

In the 73rd minute, Paraguay’s Mauricio managed to score, shortening the gap to 3-1.

The United States will face Australia next on June 19 in Seattle.