The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) made a triumphant return to the World Cup stage on Friday, June 12, 2026, with a commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. In front of a roaring crowd of 70,492, the Americans delivered a performance that will be remembered for years to come.
The match marked the USMNT’s first home World Cup appearance in 32 years, and they did not disappoint. The team’s aggressive and creative play under new coach Mauricio Pochettino captivated the Los Angeles crowd and set the tone for the tournament.
The Balogun-Pulisic Dynamic Duo Shines
The star of the night was undoubtedly Folarin Balogunwho scored twice in the first half, including a stunning goal in the fifth minute of first-half injury time. The New York-born, London-raised striker, who plays for Monaco, made his World Cup debut with a performance that will be hard to forget.
Christian Pulisicplaying for AC Milan, was instrumental in the USMNT’s success, creating the first two goals with exceptional runs down the left side. His playmaking ability was on full display, and he was a constant threat to the Paraguayan defense. Pulisic was replaced at halftime for precautionary reasons after feeling some tightness in his left calf but remained optimistic about his condition.
A Historic First Half
The USMNT’s first half was nothing short of historic. They scored three goals, the largest halftime lead in any World Cup game for the team. The Americans dominated possession, controlling the ball for 75% of the first half, and forced four Paraguay fouls compared to just two by the Americans.
The first goal came in the seventh minute when Pulisic split two defenders and passed to Weston McKenniewhose centering touch hit Paraguay midfielder Damián Bobadilla’s outstretched foot and went in. The goal set off pandemonium in the SoFi Stadium stands and gave the USMNT an early lead.
Balogun’s first goal came in the 31st minute, and his second goal in the fifth minute of first-half injury time was a thing of beauty. He held up to create space and fired a brilliant shot into the far top corner, leaving the Paraguayan goalkeeper with no chance.
The Second Half and Celebrity Spectators
The second half saw the USMNT add another goal in the dying moments of injury time. Gio Reyna glided into the box and toe-flicked home his first World Cup goal, adding the finishing touch to a memorable night. The moment was particularly sweet for Reyna, who had limited playing time at the Qatar World Cup due to a family dispute with former coach Gregg Berhalter.
The match also drew a star-studded crowd, with dozens of American celebrities and cultural icons in attendance. Among them were Tom Cruise, George Lucas, Bill Gates, Halle Berry, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, all of whom witnessed the USMNT’s historic victory.
Despite Paraguay’s late goal by Maurício in the 73rd minute, the USMNT’s lead was insurmountable. The Americans secured all three points in their first match, setting the stage for an exciting tournament ahead.
