Folarin Balogun (20) scored twice in the first half to send USA on its way to victory against Paraguay. | Photo Credit: AP

Striker Folarin Balogun’s brace helped USA complete a convincing 4-1 win over Paraguay in the sides’ FIFA World Cup 2026 Group-D clash at the Sofi Stadium in California on Saturday.

USA blazed to a lead after just seven minutes when Paraguay midfielder Damian Bobadilla inadvertently kicked the ball into his own net while trying to stop a cut back from Weston McKennie.

The early goal helped the co-host exert continuous pressure on its South American opponent. Paraguay failed to deal with the threat posed by USA’s attacking unit and conceded two to Balogun before half time.

AS IT HAPPENED | USA vs PAR Highlights World Cup 2026 Group D

Star attacker Cristian Pulisic was taken off at the break by coach Mauricio Pochettino and the The Stars and Stripes couldn’t add to their goal tally in the second 45.

Substitute Mauricio cut down the lead by one in the 74th minute but Paraguay could not muster enough to force an unlikely comeback.

Giovanni Reyna added a fourth goal seconds before the final whistle to confirm the three points for Mauricio Pochettino’s team.

USA temporarily moves to the top of Group D ahead of Turkiye’s contest against Australia late on Saturday night (Sunday morning IST).

USA vs Paraguay player ratings:

USA: M. Freese (6.0), A. Freeman (7.2), C. Richards (6.9), T. Ream (7.6), A. Robinson (6.8), T. Adams (7.0), M. Tillman (7.5), S. Dest (6.7), W. McKennie (7.3), C. Pulišić (7.4), F. Balogun (9.1)

Subs: Sebastian Berhalter (5.2), Tim Weah (5.0), Ricardo Pepi (4.9), Giovanni Reyna (6.2)

Paraguay: O. Gill (6.1), J. Cáceres (6.3), G. Gómez (5.9), O. Alderete (5.9), J. Alonso (5.3), D. Gómez (6.2), A. Cubas (6.9), D. Bobadilla (5.4), M. Almirón (6.5), A. Sanabria (6.4), J. Enciso (7.3)

Subs: Mauricio (7.3), Alex Arce (5.0), Gustavo Velazquez (6.3), Ramón Sosa (6.6), Alejandro Romero (6.5)

Published on Jun 13, 2026