Folarin Balogun Nets Two as US Beats Paraguay

Folarin Balogun scored twice as the United States men's national team beat Paraguay 4-1 in the World Cup opener at SoFi Stadium. The match, attended by 70,492 spectators, gave the US a three‑goal halftime advantage. Balogun entered the match after a productive season with Monaco in France's Ligue 1.

The opening goal came from an own goal by Damián Bobadilla after a defensive scramble. Balogun's first strike arrived in the 31st minute, a one‑touch finish after a long ball from Antonee Robinson was collected by Christian Pulisic and laid to him. His second came in stoppage time when Malik Tillman threaded a pass from midfield that Balogun converted past Omar Alderete. Paraguayan defenders Diego Gomez and Juan Jose Caceres attempted to block the early chance, but Pulisic split them. Balogun's second goal saw him evade Omar Alderete before pulling the ball back from Gustavo Gomez and firing into the top left corner.

Christian Pulisic also created a chance and assisted Weston McKennie, whose cross led to the own goal. McKennie added a shot that forced the Paraguayan goalkeeper to intervene.

Mauricio Pochettino fielded a side with five World Cup debutants, including goalkeeper Matt Freese. Defender Chris Richards returned from an ankle injury to start alongside captain Tim Ream, who at 38 became the oldest US player to appear at a World Cup. Midfield pairing Tyler Adams and Malik Tillman provided the engine room, with Tillman dropping deeper than usual.

Alex Freeman partnered Ream and Richards in central defence, while Antonee Robinson and Sergiño Dest occupied the flanks. Dest was given the freedom of a pure winger to exploit his technical skills. Tyler Adams and Tillman collaborated centrally, with Tillman delivering the decisive pass to Balogun.

The United States now sit top of Group D and will travel to Seattle to face Australia next Friday. A strong start positions them well for the remainder of the tournament.