US Opens Its Home World Cup with a Dynamic 4-1 Victory over Paraguay, Sparked by Balogun's 2 Goals
- On Friday, the U.S. men's national team faced Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, marking their first World Cup match on home soil in 32 years.
- U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino called the game 'very tough' because Paraguay is aggressive and competitive, citing their coach Gustavo Alfaro's quality; the U.S. enters ranked 17th globally versus Paraguay's 40th ranking.
- Recirculated footage of a brawl from last November's friendly intensified pre-match tensions, with former American soccer star Dax McCarty suggesting the USMNT use it as motivation for the squad.
- A star-studded opening ceremony featuring pop star Katy Perry preceded the match, while President Trump called the team beforehand to wish them luck at the multibillion-dollar venue.
- The USMNT travels to Seattle next week to face Australia at Lumen Field, continuing their Group D campaign in the expanded 48-nation tournament.
126 Articles
126 Articles
Goal-den opportunity: Helena hosts first Gulch Cup, celebrates US win over Paraguay
The Gulch Cup saw about 44 participants in Performance Square on Last Chance Gulch before the U.S. Men's National Team overwhelmed Paraguay Friday evening in a 4-1 victory.
US opens home World Cup with win over Paraguay
INGLEWOOD — Folarin Balogun fired his second goal into the top far corner of Paraguay’s net and then led his American teammates to the corner of their home stadium, reveling in the frenzy created by their historic first half at…
“I visualised my debut in the FIFA World Cup scoring” - Folarin Balogun opens up on feeling of scoring for USMNT against Paraguay
USMNT forward Folarin Balogun has opened up on the feeling of scoring in his nation's opening encounter of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a 4-1 win over Paraguay (June 12).

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