US beats Paraguay in FIFA World Cup Group D opener

US beats Paraguay in FIFA World Cup Group D opener
US beats Paraguay in FIFA World Cup Group D opener - Folarin Balogun (R) of the United States vies with Gustavo Gomez of Paraguay during the group D match, June 12, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua)
Folarin Balogun (R) of the United States vies with Gustavo Gomez of Paraguay during the group D match, June 12, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua)

Just before halftime, Malik Tillman's through ball found Balogun, who beat two defenders and slotted into the top-left corner to complete his brace.

Folarin Balogun's brace and the tournament's first own goal lifted co-host the United States (US) to a 4-1 win over Paraguay in the Group D opener of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday.
After a star-studded pre-match ceremony at the Los Angeles Stadium, the US pressed high against Paraguay, who returned to the World Cup for the first time since 2010.
A dream start came seven minutes in, when Weston McKennie's pass was deflected by Paraguay defender Damian Bobadilla into his own net for the tournament's first own goal.

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Balogun thought he had doubled the lead in the 28th minute, only for the effort to be ruled offside. He struck again three minutes later, finishing after a fine run and cross from Christian Pulisic to make it 2-0.
Just before halftime, Malik Tillman's through ball found Balogun, who beat two defenders and slotted into the top-left corner to complete his brace.
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Paraguay regained momentum early in the second half, creating several threats, but only managed a consolation goal from Mauricio in the 73rd minute, before Giovanni Reyna scored a last-minute goal to seal a 4-1 win.

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Australia and Türkiye will play the other Group D match in Vancouver on Saturday.

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