The United States men’s national soccer team (USMNT) made a triumphant return to World Cup action on home soil, defeating Paraguay 4-1 in a thrilling match at Los Angeles Stadium on June 12, 2026. This victory marked the team’s largest win in World Cup history and set the stage for an exciting tournament ahead.
The match was a showcase of the USMNT’s offensive prowess, with Folarin Balogun emerging as the star of the night. The New York-born, London-raised striker, playing his first World Cup match, scored twice in the first half, becoming the first American player to achieve a multi-goal performance in the tournament since 1930.
The Path to Victory
The Americans wasted no time asserting their dominance, scoring an own-goal in the seventh minute thanks to Christian Pulisic’s playmaking. Pulisic, who had a stellar first-half performance, assisted Balogun’s first goal in the 31st minute. The striker added another goal in the fifth minute of first-half injury time, sealing a 3-0 halftime lead—the team’s largest in any World Cup game.
Gio Reyna capped off the scoring in the dying moments of second-half injury time, giving the Americans four goals in a World Cup match for the first time. This performance was a stark contrast to their 2026 campaign, where they scored only three goals combined in four matches.
A New Era Under Mauricio Pochettino
Under the guidance of new coach Mauricio Pochettino, the USMNT has embraced a more creative and aggressive system. Pochettino’s tactics were on full display against Paraguay, with the team’s cohesive play and sharp attacking strategies captivating the sellout crowd of 70,492 fans.
“The performance was really good,” Pochettino said post-match. “It’s about the collective. I think the team was amazing.” The coach emphasized the importance of building on this strong start as the team looks ahead to their next group stage matches.
Key Players and Historic Milestones
Balogun’s decision to represent the United States three years ago has proven to be a game-changer. The 24-year-old Monaco professional has brought a level of striker play that has been historically lacking on USMNT rosters. His performance against Paraguay was a testament to his skill and the potential he brings to the team.
Christian Pulisic, despite being substituted at halftime due to a knock, played a crucial role in the first half. His playmaking and assists set the tone for the Americans’ dominant performance. Gio Reyna, who had limited playing time in the 2026 World Cup, made a significant impact with his goal in stoppage time.
The victory also marked the first time the USMNT has scored more than three goals in a World Cup match. This historic achievement has set a new standard for the team as they continue their journey in the expanded 48-team tournament.
Paraguay, making their first World Cup appearance since, managed to score a consolation goal in the second half through Maurício. However, their early deficit proved too much to overcome. The match was a significant step for the USMNT, demonstrating their growth and potential on the global stage.
