By Earl Heath | Contributing Sports Writer
The U.S. Men’s National Team opened its World Cup campaign in impressive fashion, overwhelming Paraguay 4-1 before a packed crowd at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
The Americans wasted little time taking control, building a 3-0 advantage and eventually recording their highest-scoring performance in a World Cup match.
Forward Folarin Balogun electrified the crowd with his play and helped lead an attacking unit that showed both speed and precision. Balogun is one of 13 players making their World Cup debut for the United States. Born in New York City to Nigerian parents and raised in London, he was eligible to represent three countries before committing to the United States in 2023.
With family members watching from the stands, Balogun described the victory as unforgettable.
“A real dream,” he said. “It was a dreamy night.”
Fast Start Sets the Tone
The Americans kept constant pressure on Paraguay throughout the match. Their relentless energy paid off early when a pass from midfielder Weston McKennie deflected off Paraguay defender Andrés Cubas Bobadilla for an own goal in the seventh minute.
The U.S. attack continued to create chances and kept Paraguay on its heels for most of the evening.
Captain Christian Pulisic suffered a minor knock to his calf during the first half but said afterward he expects to be available for the Americans’ next group-stage match against Australia.
“I got a bit of a kick in the first half,” Pulisic told reporters. “I’m taking a little bit of precaution today, but I’m hoping I’ll be fine in the next few days.”
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino also expressed confidence that Pulisic would be ready for the next match.
Paraguay finally broke through in the 73rd minute when midfielder Mauricio scored the team’s lone goal. However, substitute Giovanni Reyna answered in second-half stoppage time, adding the Americans’ fourth goal and sealing the 4-1 victory.
U.S. Attack Shows Growth
The opening win highlighted the progress the U.S. offense has made since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where the Americans scored just three goals in four matches.
With the tournament expanded to 48 teams, advancing from the group stage has become more attainable. Following the opening victory, another win against Australia or favorable results in the remaining group matches could be enough to send the United States into the knockout round.
Finishing first in the group, however, would provide a more favorable path deeper into the tournament.
For one night, Team USA looked every bit the contender, opening the World Cup with a performance that was, as the old song says, “solid as a rock.”