June 13, 2026 | Burma Independent Voice
The United States Men’s National Team could not have scripted a better start to their World Cup campaign. Powered by a brace from Folarin Balogun and a spectacular strike from Gio Reyna, the host nation kicked off the tournament in style with a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Paraguay in a star-studded Los Angeles clash attended by Hollywood elites.
Playing their opening World Cup match on home soil, the U.S. took an early lead just 7 minutes into the first half courtesy of a Paraguayan own goal. By halftime, the hosts had established a dreamlike 3-0 cushion, much to the delight of the home crowd.
The high-profile match, co-hosted alongside Mexico and Canada, drew a packed crowd of 70,492 spectators, including Hollywood A-listers such as Tom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Paris Hilton.
Although Paraguay managed to pull one back through an effort from Mauricio, Reyna sealed the victory by netting a fourth goal for the U.S. deep into stoppage time.
With this crucial win, the United States secures an early advantage in Group D, which also features Australia and Turkey, as they look to advance to the knockout stages.
The only bleak note on an otherwise perfect night for the Americans was a first-half injury to talisman Christian Pulisic, who had to be substituted at halftime. Pulisic remains the focal point of hope for a U.S. squad aiming to surpass their historic 2002 quarterfinal run and reach new heights in this tournament.
From the opening whistle, the Americans imposed relentless pressure on their opponents. In the 7th minute, Weston McKennie linked up with Pulisic before receiving a return pass and quickly setting up Balogun. In a desperate attempt to clear the danger, Paraguay’s Damian Bobadilla inadvertently deflected the ball into his own net.
Following the opening goal, the U.S. attack shifted into high gear. Driven by precise distribution from McKennie and Malik Tillman, alongside composed passing from veteran defender Tim Ream, the Americans played with immense confidence.
Balogun appeared to have scored again in the 28th minute, but the goal was ruled out for offside. However, he made amends just three minutes later, clinical finishing a precise assist from Pulisic to double the lead. Right before the interval, Balogun showcased individual brilliance by drifting past the Paraguayan defense to fire home a spectacular long-range strike for his second of the night. The U.S. dominated the first half, commanding a staggering 75% of ball possession.
With Pulisic absent in the second half due to injury, the U.S. adopted a more conservative, deeper defensive shape. This allowed Paraguay to gain a foothold in the match, and their efforts were rewarded when substitute Mauricio pulled a goal back. Nevertheless, the U.S. put the game completely out of reach late in the match when Reyna executed a brilliant outside-of-the-boot finish with his right foot.
Prior to kickoff, fans were treated to a spectacular, Hollywood-style opening ceremony. The star-studded pre-match show featured performances by pop icon Katy Perry alongside prominent artists Future, Tyler, Anitta, and K-pop star Lisa.
Dancers performed around a massive replica of the World Cup trophy beneath shimmering gold-emblazoned letters reading “FIFA”—a aesthetic heavily favored by President Donald Trump. While President Trump did not attend the opening fixture in person, he reportedly called the team prior to kickoff to deliver a motivational message and offer his best wishes.
