Folarin Balogun scored twice as the United States delivered a commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their World Cup opener on Friday night at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The win marked the Americans’ largest margin of victory in a World Cup match and their first World Cup played on home soil in 32 years.

The U.S. took an early lead thanks to an own goal sparked by Christian Pulisic’s playmaking, and Balogun, a 24-year-old forward who chose to represent the United States over England, added goals in the 31st minute and during first-half injury time. His brace was the first multi-goal performance by an American player at the World Cup since 1930.

Gio Reyna sealed the victory with a goal in second-half injury time, bringing the U.S. total to four goals in a World Cup match for the first time in their tournament history. Paraguay’s lone goal came from Mauricio in the second half, but it was insufficient to challenge the Americans’ dominance.

The match was notable for the aggressive and creative style demonstrated by the U.S. under head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who took over the national team in late 2024. Pulisic was a key figure in the first half, assisting the first two goals with his incisive runs along the left flank before being replaced at halftime as a precaution due to calf tightness sustained in a training session earlier in the week.

“It meant everything for us,” Pulisic said. “A half like that, for it to go as it did, and have the fans excited about our performance, it felt amazing.” Despite his exit, his impact was evident throughout the match, helping to orchestrate a fast-paced attack that overwhelmed Paraguay.

Paraguay’s coach Gustavo Alfaro acknowledged his team’s struggles. “The U.S. won this match very clearly and fairly,” he said through an interpreter. “They dominated tactically, technically and physically as well. This team is a complex challenge because they have answers to everything you throw at them.”

The match attracted a crowd of 70,492, including numerous celebrities and cultural figures, highlighting the tournament’s homecoming to the United States after a generation-long wait. The enthusiastic atmosphere and strong performance suggested a turning point for the American side, which has historically experienced difficulties advancing beyond the early stages of the World Cup and a general lack of offensive firepower.

Balogun’s emergence as a focal point in the attack signals new optimism for the U.S. squad. “Poch has said many times, ‘Why not us?’” Balogun said. “We have to believe. You can’t do anything if you don’t believe in yourself.”

The victory sets a positive tone for the United States as they pursue further success in the tournament on home soil.