The United States men's national soccer team began its World Cup campaign in spectacular fashion, defeating Paraguay 4-1 at SoFi Stadium in front of a sellout crowd of 70,492. From the opening whistle the Americans dictated the tempo, controlling possession for 71 percent of the first half — a figure that stands as the highest in the modern era of World Cup first-half play.
Folarin Balogun stole the spotlight by scoring twice, becoming the first U.S. player to net multiple goals in a World Cup match since 1930. His clinical finishing added to a growing sense of optimism around the squad's attacking potential.
Defender Chris Richards delivered a flawless passing performance, completing all 83 of his attempts, the most accurate passing statistic recorded at a World Cup since 1966. His composure helped the team maintain pressure and create numerous chances.
A historic night in Los Angeles
Coach Mauricio Pochettino, who took charge of the side only weeks ago, praised the fans for their energy, saying the atmosphere “gave the players an extra lift.” He also highlighted the collective effort, singling out Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Antonee Robinson, Alex Freeman and Sergiño Dest for their contributions.
The victory was more than a three-point haul; it was framed as a unifying moment for the country. Landon Donovan, a 2002 World Cup star, described the scene as the most enjoyable day of soccer he has ever experienced, underscoring the significance of the win for the nation's football culture.