The United States made history on Saturday night by scoring four goals in a World Cup match for the first time, defeating Paraguay 4-1 in an impressive opening performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Los Angeles.

Over 70,000 fans inside the stadium witnessed the occasion as the co-hosts delivered a display full of attacking intent and efficiency to begin their Group D campaign in style.

USA take early control through Pulisic and own goal

The Americans needed only seven minutes to take the lead.

Christian Pulisic sparked the move with a driving run before the ball was worked into a dangerous area, where Paraguay midfielder Damian Bobadilla inadvertently turned it into his own net under pressure.

That early breakthrough settled any nerves and allowed Mauricio Pochettino’s side to dictate the tempo for much of the first half.

The hosts moved the ball confidently and repeatedly found openings in the Paraguayan defense.

Balogun shines as USA extend their lead

Their dominance was rewarded again in the 31st minute when Folarin Balogun doubled the advantage.

Pulisic was once more heavily involved, providing the pass for the striker to fire home and give the United States a deserved two-goal cushion.

Balogun thought he had scored earlier only to be denied by an offside flag, but there was no stopping him as the first half drew to a close.

Deep into stoppage time, Malik Tillman threaded a pass through the Paraguayan backline and Balogun raced onto it before producing a composed finish to make it 3-0.

Paraguay fight back after halftime

The goal capped a superb opening 45 minutes for the Monaco forward, who carried his club form onto the international stage and underlined his growing importance to the national team.

Paraguay emerged from the break with greater purpose and enjoyed more possession as they attempted to work their way back into the contest.

Despite the improvement, the United States continued to create chances and looked the more dangerous side whenever they broke forward.

Paraguay reduce the deficit

The South Americans found their rhythm when a former Brighton man who was doubtful for the game slipped in a delicious pass in the 73rd minute.

Julio Enciso released Mauricio with a well-weighted pass and the forward made no mistake, finishing beyond goalkeeper Matt Freese to reduce the deficit to 3-1.

The goal briefly raised hopes of a late comeback, but the United States remained composed and continued to control proceedings.

Reyna seals historic victory

Their victory was sealed in spectacular fashion with the final kick of the match.

Deep into stoppage time, substitute Giovanni Reyna received the ball outside the penalty area and produced a stunning trivela strike with the outside of his right foot.

The effort curled beyond the goalkeeper and into the net to crown a memorable evening for the hosts.

A historic World Cup achievement

The 4-1 victory represented more than just three points.

It was a landmark result that saw the United States score four goals in a World Cup match for the first time in the nation’s history.

Balogun’s two-goal performance was central to the triumph, while Pulisic’s creativity and Reyna’s late moment of brilliance provided further evidence of the attacking quality available to Pochettino.

USA send message in Group D

The result puts the United States in a strong position early in Group D and sends a message to the rest of the tournament that the hosts intend to be more than just participants.