U.S. faces Paraguay in World Cup opener as Americans seek to advance from group stage
The United States men's national soccer team defeated Paraguay 4-1 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group D opener at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on June 12, 2026. Folarin Balogun scored twice in the first half — becoming the first American to score multiple goals in a World Cup match since 1930 — while an own goal and a late Gio Reyna strike completed the rout before 70,492 fans. The result marks the largest World Cup victory in U.S. history and gives the co-hosts a commanding early lead in Group D ahead of matches against Australia and Turkey.
The U.S. opened the scoring in the seventh minute when a Christian Pulisic run and Weston McKennie pass resulted in an own goal by Paraguayan midfielder Damián Bobadilla. Balogun, a 24-year-old Brooklyn-born, London-raised striker who chose to represent the U.S. over England and Nigeria, doubled the lead in the 31st minute finishing a Pulisic cross, then added a brilliant curling shot into the top corner in first-half stoppage time to give the hosts a 3-0 lead at the break — a half in which the U.S. held 75 percent possession. Paraguay pulled one back through substitute Maurício in the 73rd minute, but Gio Reyna sealed the win with a curling finish in second-half stoppage time. Star midfielder Christian Pulisic, who assisted on the first two goals, was substituted at halftime with a sore left calf and will be reevaluated ahead of the next match. The victory surpassed the U.S.'s total of three goals across four matches at the 2022 Qatar World Cup and was their biggest World Cup winning margin since 1930, when they also beat Paraguay. The game was preceded by a star-studded opening ceremony featuring Katy Perry, and celebrities including Tom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Paris Hilton attended the match.
How coverage differed
Right-leaning outlets like Fox News and the New York Post emphasized historic records and national pride with celebratory framing, while left-leaning and centrist outlets such as The Guardian, NPR, and the Los Angeles Times gave more analytical attention to tactical details, Pulisic's injury concern, and the broader significance for U.S. soccer's development.
What different sources said
- NPR NewsLeft
The U.S. men's team is set to take on Paraguay in its World Cup opener
- Channel NewsAsiaCenter
Paraguay not at World Cup to make up the numbers, says coach
- CBS NewsCenter
U.S. cruises past Paraguay 4-1 in World Cup opener
- New York PostRight
USMNT dominates Paraguay in promising World Cup opener
- The Guardian USLeft
USA bulldoze Paraguay as co-hosts romp to victory in World Cup opener
- Times of IndiaCenter
USA vs Paraguay: USMNT ends 20-year wait with historic World Cup opener
- Al JazeeraLeft
US fans celebrate victory over Paraguay in World Cup opener
- AP NewsCenter
Folarin Balogun, who could have played for England or Nigeria, scores 2 for US in World Cup debut
US opens its home World Cup with a dynamic 4-1 victory over Paraguay, sparked by Balogun's 2 goals
- CNN WorldLeft
It’s a party in the USA: The Americans dominate Paraguay in opening World Cup match, 4-1
- Fox NewsRight
US earns historic win in World Cup opener after beatdown of Paraguay as the legend of Folarin Balogun is born
- BBC Top StoriesCenter
Balogun stars in impressive USA win over Paraguay
- France 24Center
World Cup 2026: Balogun's brace powers USA past Paraguay in Group D opener
- The HinduCenter
Folarin Balogun, who could have played for England or Nigeria, scores two goals for U.S. in World Cup debut
- Yahoo FinanceCenter
Folarin Balogun scores twice as USMNT beats Paraguay 4-1 in World Cup opener
- The TimesCenter
Giovanni Reyna and Folarin Balogun score in USA win vs Paraguay — as it happened
- NBC NewsLeft
¡Balogun amplía la ventaja! Gran asistencia de Pulisic para el 2-0 de Estados Unidos
Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun lead U.S. to impressive World Cup win over Paraguay
- NBC NewsLeft
Folarin Balogun chose the U.S. over England. It’s already paying off in the World Cup
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