U.S. team shows it can handle pressure with win over Paraguay in World Cup opener

The U.S. men's soccer team met the moment on Friday night at SoFi Stadium. Playing in their first World Cup game on home soil in 32 years, they put together arguably their best half of World Cup soccer history and started the tournament off with a bang.

"A dreamy night," said Folarin Balogun after becoming the first U.S. player to score multiple goals in a World Cup since 1930, when Bert Patenaude scored three against Paraguay.

Indeed, it was a dream start. The United States put together its most comprehensive performance in coach Mauricio Pochettino's 20-month tenure and arguably it's best half in World Cup soccer history.

The U.S. team had scored three goals in a first half once before, in 2002 against Portugal, a far superior opponent. But that young team, playing in South Korea, had considerably less pressure on it, unlike this team that has worn the burden of the weighty "Golden Generation" nickname and is expected to deliver as co-hosts of the biggest World Cup in history.

The three points gained by a win - and the 4-1 final score - are a massive achievement by the home hosts. An opening victory is usually the surest way to advance from the group. And scoring four goals could be a massive factor in the case of any ties.

More For You

FIFA's shortcomings evident, but World Cup begins for U.S. squad

There were a few hiccups Friday before the United States and Paraguay met near Los Angeles, but World Cup organizers have plenty of time to iron out the wrinkles before the 104-match event ends.

World Cup viewers' guide: Basic strategy and terminology to know

Are you new to soccer (or football), which is a relatively complex sport? Consider this a viewing guide to basic principles, phrases and strategies of the world's most popular sport.

The result Friday night gives the Americans a very good path toward winning the group, which would mean they would play in Santa Clara at Levi's Stadium on July 1.

Earlier in the week, U.S. defender Chris Richards said the Americans wanted to be "top dogs in the group." And right now, they are. The other teams in Group D, Australia and Turkey, will play Saturday night. Of course, there's still a long way to go and two more group opponents for the Americans to face, Australia in Seattle next week and another game at SoFi against dangerous Turkey in late June.

But the U.S. team, which has occasionally disappeared at key moments and seemed so flat early on in a recent friendly against Germany, came out with purpose and passion on Friday night.

"Coming out with that energy, controlling the game right from the start, it was one of the better halves we've played," said Christian Pulisic. "We have the ability to play and score goals, but today, the effort, everything was there."

Pulisic is the player with the most pressure on him, the face of the team for a decade and the man whose name graced the backs of thousands in the stadium on Friday. He delivered in a major way, creating the two early goals for the United States. His touch, control and passes - the first resulting in an own-goal by Paraguay and the second a strike by Balogun - were exceptional.

Pulisic was subbed out of the game for Sebastian Berhalter at halftime after taking a kick in his left calf, leaving the game out of precaution.

"I'm hoping I'll be fine in the next few days," he said.

The own-goal in the seventh minute was a crushing start for Paraguay, which is in the World Cup for the first time since 2010, when La Albirroja narrowly lost to eventual champion Spain in the quarterfinals. Returning to the World Cup is incredibly emotional: midfielder Diego Gomez choked up in a press conference speaking about the intensity of his feelings representing his entire country.

But Paraguay was overmatched from the start. The Americans dominated possession, controlling the ball for 65% of the game. Matt Freese lost his clean sheet in the 73rd minute, when Paraguay's Mauricio scored. But Gio Reyna's stoppage-time goal in the 97th minute made it 4-1, restoring the Americans' three-goal margin.

Freese, as expected, got the starting nod over Matt Turner, who was in goal in Qatar four years ago. Both players are playing in MLS, which has created concern about the level of attacks they have faced. But Paraguay was overwhelmed, despite lots of support in the crowd.

The environment at SoFi was a lively one. The announced crowd was 70,492 and - unlike the night before when there were lots of empty seats in Guadalajara, Mexico, almost all the seats were full. There were plenty of celebrities on hand: Tom Cruise and David Beckham sat together. Jaxson Dart and Puka Nacua were shown on the screen at the same time and the crowd either was saying "Puuuuka" or booing Dart. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was there. George Lucas got a lot of screen time, perhaps on hand to see Antonee Robinson, who goes by the nickname "Jedi."

This U.S. team is still an unknown to many people. But a star was born Friday night. Balogun, 24, was born in Brooklyn to Nigerian parents, under unusual circumstances. His mother was on vacation and an airline refused to let her board because of her advanced pregnancy. Balogun spent his first two months in New York, before moving "home" to London, where he was raised. Eligible to play for three countries, he came up through the Arsenal academy and played for youth teams in England, but eventually - after heavy recruitment - chose the United States, in part because of the 2026 World Cup. And also because his mother believed he was born here for a reason.

"The kid's insane," Pulisic said of Balogun, who was the top scorer for AS Monaco in French Ligue 1 last season. "He's lethal right now in front of the goal."

For his part, Balogun - in his charming London accent - said he was "very delighted with the performance." He said the game was "a great opportunity to show the fans that I made the right decision."

America's new star planned to go back to the hotel and watch some Netflix to celebrate. And think about his night.

"When I get back to the hotel and rest I'm sure I'm going to be able to be in the moment and experience how amazing this was," he said. "As I said, it was a very dreamy, dreamy night."

And, because of it, the United States can begin to really dream big.

June 12, 2026

Photo of Ann Killion

Ann Killion

Sports Columnist

Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.

This story was originally published June 13, 2026 at 2:19 AM.