Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
The United States launched its home FIFA World Cup campaign in spectacular fashion on Friday night, defeating Paraguay 4-1 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles in a statement victory that immediately raised expectations for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
With more than 70,000 fans packing the stadium and millions watching across the country, the Americans delivered one of the most impressive performances in their World Cup history, racing to a three-goal lead before halftime and ultimately recording their largest-ever victory in the tournament.
Folarin Balogun was the star of the night, scoring twice in a dominant first-half display that left Paraguay struggling to cope with the pace and creativity of the U.S. attack. The 24-year-old striker, who chose to represent the United States despite being eligible for England, produced the first multi-goal performance by an American player at a World Cup since the tournament’s inaugural edition in 1930.
The breakthrough came early when Christian Pulisic sparked a dangerous move down the left flank in the seventh minute. His attacking run forced an error from Paraguay midfielder Damián Bobadilla, whose attempted intervention ended with the ball in his own net, sending the home crowd into celebration.
The Americans continued to press aggressively and nearly doubled their advantage moments later when Balogun found the net, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside. The striker would not have to wait long. In the 31st minute, Pulisic once again sliced through the Paraguayan defense before setting up Balogun, who calmly finished to make it 2-0.
As Paraguay struggled to regain control, the United States delivered another blow deep into first-half stoppage time. Malik Tillman threaded a precise pass behind the defense and Balogun raced through before lifting a clinical finish into the top corner to give the hosts a commanding 3-0 lead at the break.
“It meant everything for us,” Pulisic said after the match. “To have a half like that and see the fans react the way they did was amazing.”
The performance highlighted the rapid progress made under Pochettino since the Argentine coach took charge in late 2024. The United States looked more adventurous and confident in possession than in previous major tournaments, creating chances at will and overwhelming a Paraguay side making its first World Cup appearance in 16 years.
Pochettino refused to compare his team with previous American generations but praised the attitude and quality shown by his players.
“I think we need to talk about today because it was a great match,” he said. “It was amazing for our fans to watch this type of football. We are proud and I think we are winning many new fans for the sport in America.”
There was a minor concern for the hosts when Pulisic was substituted at halftime. The AC Milan playmaker had been managing discomfort in his left calf after receiving a knock during training earlier in the week. However, both Pulisic and Pochettino played down fears of a serious injury.
Paraguay showed greater urgency after the restart and eventually pulled a goal back through Maurício, but the South Americans never seriously threatened a comeback after the disastrous opening 45 minutes.
“The U.S. won very clearly and fairly,” Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro admitted. “They dominated tactically, technically and physically. This team has answers to everything.”
The Americans were less fluid after Pulisic’s departure, yet they still had enough quality to add a fourth goal in stoppage time. Gio Reyna, whose previous World Cup experience in Qatar was overshadowed by off-field controversy and limited playing time, capped the evening with a composed finish for his first World Cup goal.
The strike also secured another milestone, marking the first time the United States had scored four goals in a World Cup match.
For Balogun, the result reinforced the growing belief inside the squad that the United States can compete with stronger football nations on home soil.
“Poch has said many times, ‘Why not us?'” Balogun said. “We have to believe. You can’t do anything if you don’t believe in yourself.”
The occasion attracted a star-studded crowd from across American entertainment and business circles, with actor Tom Cruise, filmmaker George Lucas, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, actress Halle Berry, actor Leonardo DiCaprio and basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar among those in attendance.
After decades of waiting for the World Cup’s return, the United States could hardly have imagined a more convincing opening night. The challenge will become tougher as the tournament progresses, but for one evening in Los Angeles, the hosts looked every bit like a team ready to make history.
