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Come Fan with UsMonday, August 3, 2026

Watch every USA World Cup goal vs. Paraguay, including Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun’s magic moments

Has the USMNT ever played this well before?

Screenshot 2026-06-12 at 9.00.29 PM
Screenshot 2026-06-12 at 9.00.29 PM
Ricky O'Donnell
Ricky O'Donnell has covered basketball at all levels for more than a decade at SB Nation. He’s currently the Associate Director of Programming.

The United States men’s national team faced Paraguay in its 2026 World Cup opener as the host country, and the home team was ready to play. The U.S. looked good in its tune-up friendly vs. Germany, and they dominated early play in the opener with three goals before the halftime break. Christian Pulisic created first two goals for the United States, and finally looked like the superstar who was promised. Folarin Balogun scored the second and third goals to send the Los Angeles crown into delirium.

Gio Reyna added a fourth goal in the final seconds of stoppage time. The United States beat Paraguay, 4-1, in the opener. It’s the most goals the U.S. has ever scored in a World Cup game.

Pulisic split a double team to set up a scoring chance on the first goal, which was put into the net by Paraguay’s Damián Bobadilla for the own goal. Watch the play here:

Balogun had a goal shortly after the hydration break, but the refs ruled him offsides. He would get on the board minutes later off a beautiful feed from Pulisic.

Pulisic made a run down the left side of the field, and cut it back to find a wide open Balogun, who drilled it in the net. Watch the play here.

Here’s an alternate angle featuring ref cam:

Balogun was born in Brooklyn but grew up in England. He chose to play for the U.S. over both England and Nigeria, and he’s quickly becoming the star striker the Americans have always needed.

Balogun scored another goal before the end of the half, burying the ball in the top shelf. What a moment.

Has the United States’ men’s national team ever played this well before? I don’t think so. The Americans are up 3-0 before the second half even begins. It’s a party in LA.

After a long passing sequence, Reyna added the final goal:

It was a perfect game for the U.S. It’s only one game, but what a start for the Americans.

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