A Winning Start
The United States kicked off its World Cup adventure with a commanding 4-1 triumph over Paraguay at the 70,492‑capacity Los Angeles Stadium, a venue that proved packed to the rafters.
Folarin Balogun stole the early spotlight, netting a pair of goals in the first half that put the Americans in control, while Christian Pulisic was forced off at the break after feeling a tightness in his calf.
The match also marked a milestone for the U.S. side, delivering their highest goal tally in a single World Cup game, a feat achieved despite the absence of several key figures from the previous edition’s last‑16 run.
Among the notable attendees were Hollywood actor Tom Cruise, music icon David Beckham and pop star Katy Perry, who watched from the stands alongside former England captain Beckham.
Midfielder Gio Reyna added the finishing touch with a late goal, while Paraguay’s solitary strike came from substitute Mauricio in the 73rd minute, a consolation for a team that had navigated a grueling CONMEBOL qualification campaign.
Coach Mauricio Pochettino, who took charge of the U.S. setup, praised the squad’s intensity and hinted that the performance could signal a deeper run, even as the team looks to build on the momentum heading into the knockout stages.