US earns historic win in World Cup opener after beatdown of Paraguay as the legend of Folarin Balogun is born
Folarin Balogun becomes the first American player since 1930 to score multiple goals in a World Cup game as Team USA beats Paraguay 4-1 at home.
TL;DR
- The U.S. defeated Paraguay 4-1 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener.
- This was the first time the U.S. scored at least four goals in a World Cup game.
- Folarin Balogun is the first American player since 1930 to score multiple goals in a World Cup match.
- The 4-1 victory was the first time the U.S. won a World Cup game by three goals since 1930.
- An own goal by Paraguay's Damián Bobadilla opened the scoring in the sixth minute.
- Balogun scored his first World Cup goal in the 30th minute and added another before halftime.
- Gio Reyna scored the fourth goal for the U.S. in the final seconds.
- Christian Pulisic sustained an injury during the match.