Folarin Balogun brace powers USMNT to record 4-1 win over Paraguay

The United States Men's National Team enjoyed a great start to their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on Friday, June 12, securing a massive 4-1 win over Paraguay at the Los Angeles Stadium Stadium in Inglewood. Mauricia Pochettino's side wasted no time in stamping their domination in the game, as an intense high press led to an early breakthrough in the 7th minute when a dangerous ball from Weston McKennie was deflected into the net for Damian Bobadilla own goal.

Dominant USMNT in the first-half

The early advantage helped USMNT to control the tempo of the game, leaving the Paraguayan side looking hopeless.

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The first-half of the game was belonged to Folarin Balogun, whose stunning performances exposed the opposition's defense. After having an earlier effort ruled out for offside, the striker found his redemption in the 31st minute of the game, converting a low shot past goalkeeper Orlando Gill to double the lead over Paraguay. Dictating the pace through midfield, the hosts scored again just before the interval as Balogun latched onto a brilliant ball from Malik Tilman in the 45th minute, completing a brace and a commanding 3-o advantage at the break.

Caged second half

In the second half, Paraguay tried to get control back from the USA but failed to do so. However, in the initial minutes of the second-half, Paraguay took some shots but could not convert it into breakthroughs. Somehow, the South-American side managed to score a goal in the 74th minute. Capitalizing on a rare defensive error from the hosts, Mauricio finished off a sharp sequence involving Miguel Almiron and Julio Enciso.

The late goal from Paraguay sparked a demanding physical stretch, but USMNT managed to keep their defensive impact in the dying stages of the game. In the last minute, substitute Giovanni Reyna made sure to entertain the crowd, by scoring a stunning goal in the stoppage time after collecting a pass from Alex Freeman, he unleashed a right-footed trivela into the bottom corner. The goal sealed a historic 4-1 win, marking the most goals USMNT has ever scored in a single World Cup game.