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World Cup co-hosts US thrash Paraguay in dominant Group D opener

The United States Men's National Team (USMNT) commenced their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, highlighted by a standout performance from Folarin Balogun, who scored twice. This match marked a significant moment as all three co-hosts of the tournament have now hosted a match.

World Cup co-hosts US thrash Paraguay in dominant Group D opener

WPN Brief

  • What Happened

    The United States Men's National Team (USMNT) commenced their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, highlighted by a standout performance from Folarin Balogun, who scored twice. This match marked a significant moment as all three co-hosts of the tournament have now hosted a match.

  • Why It Matters

    This victory is crucial for the USMNT as it sets a positive tone for their World Cup journey, showcasing their offensive capabilities and team cohesion, which are vital for advancing in the tournament.

  • The Bigger Picture

    The match not only reflects the growing strength of US soccer on the world stage but also emphasizes the excitement surrounding the co-hosting of the World Cup by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, drawing attention to the potential for increased fan engagement and support for the sport in North America.

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The United States Men's National Team (USMNT) opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, showcasing a strong performance highlighted by two goals from Folarin Balogun. This match marked a significant milestone as it was the team's first World Cup match in Los Angeles, attracting a crowd of 70,492 fans.

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Folarin Balogun makes USMNT history not seen in 96 years vs. Paraguay in World Cup opener

The United States Men's National Team (USMNT) achieved a historic 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener at SoFi Stadium, marking their largest World Cup victory margin since 1930, with Folarin Balogun scoring two goals.

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The United States Men's National Team (USMNT) opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay at SoFi Stadium, featuring standout performances from Christian Pulisic, who assisted two goals, and Folarin Balogun, who scored twice. This match marked the team's largest World Cup victory margin since 1930.

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