Folarin Balogun’s brace leads USA to a 4-1 win over Paraguay in 2026 World Cup debut

USA defeated Paraguay 4-1 in their 2026 World Cup debut and you lived every moment of this exciting game here, on Bolavip. 

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The referee brings the match to an end at Los Angeles Stadium, with USA completing a dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay. A strong all-round performance from the hosts, highlighted by Folarin Balogun’s brace and late goals from the attack, seals a convincing win in their 2026 World Cup debut.

Giovanni Reyna adds a spectacular finish to close out the match in style. The midfielder unleashes a precise outside-foot strike that flies past the goalkeeper and into the net, sealing a dominant performance from USA as they put the finishing touch on a convincing victory over Paraguay.

Junior Alonso is shown a yellow card after bringing down an opponent off the ball.

The fourth official signals seven minutes of added time at the end of the match.

Alex Arce goes into the referee's book after a late challenge on Giovanni Reyna in midfield.

USA make another change as Malik Tillman leaves the field and Giovanni Reyna comes on. Mauricio Pochettino continues to rotate his squad, bringing fresh legs into midfield as the hosts look to see out their two-goal advantage.

Diego Gomez is shown a yellow card after bringing down Malik Tillman in midfield. Moments later, Paraguay make three changes as Juan Jose Caceres, Miguel Almiron and Diego Gomez leave the field, with Gustavo Velazquez, Ramon Sosa and Alejandro Romero coming on to inject fresh energy into the visitors.

Paraguay find some momentum after pulling one back, but USA immediately threaten at the other end. Malik Tillman sends a weak effort comfortably toward goal, and moments later, Tim Weah unleashes a powerful strike that forces Orlando Gill into an excellent save to keep the score at 3-1.

Paraguay pull one back with a well-worked attacking move. A long ball into the edge of the area is contested by Alex Arce and Miguel Almiron before it falls to Julio Enciso, who calmly clears the play and sets up Mauricio. The substitute strikes first time with a low cross shot that beats Matt Freese and cuts the deficit to 3-1.

USA make another pair of changes as Sergino Dest and Folarin Balogun leave the field. Tim Weah and Ricardo Pepi come on to provide fresh legs as the hosts continue to comfortably manage their three-goal advantage.

The action gets back underway after the cooling break. 

The referee pauses the match for the scheduled cooling break as players from both teams head to the sidelines for hydration. USA remain comfortably in front, while Paraguay continue looking for answers in the second half.

Paraguay make another substitution as Antonio Sanabria leaves the field and Alex Arce comes on. The visitors continue to refresh their attack in search of a way to reduce the deficit.

Tyler Adams is shown a yellow card after committing a foul on Mauricio in midfield.

After a VAR review, the yellow card shown to Tim Ream is overturned and instead awarded to Miguel Almiron for simulation. It marks the first time VAR has been used in this tournament to rescind a yellow card and issue a booking to the opposing player.

Tim Ream goes into the referee's book after bringing down Miguel Almiron near the edge of the penalty area. Paraguay earn a dangerous free kick as they look to create one of their best chances of the night.

Both teams make changes after the break. USA replace Christian Pulisic with Sebastian Berhalter, while Paraguay bring on Mauricio in place of Damian Bobadilla as they look for a different approach in the second half.

The action is back underway as USA and Paraguay begin the second half of the World Cup opener. The hosts look to maintain their dominant performance, while Paraguay search for a way back into the match after a difficult opening 45 minutes.

The first half comes to an end with USA in complete control of the World Cup opener. An own goal by Damian Bobadilla and a brace from Folarin Balogun give the hosts a deserved 3-0 lead after an impressive display built on quick passing, vertical attacks and relentless pressure, while Paraguay have struggled to find any response.

USA strike again with a spectacular finish from Folarin Balogun to cap off a dominant first half. Malik Tillman threads a perfect pass through the Paraguay defense, Balogun takes a touch, cuts inside and curls a brilliant shot into the top corner, leaving Orlando Gill with no chance and extending the hosts' lead to 3-0.

The fourth official signals five minutes of added time at the end of the first half. USA remain in complete control, while Paraguay look for a way to pull one back before the break.

Paraguay begin to move their lines forward and spend more time in possession, but there is still a clear sense of caution. The visitors know that any quick counter led by Christian Pulisic or Sergino Dest could create another dangerous opportunity and put the match even further out of reach.

USA have enjoyed the perfect start, moving the ball with short passes, vertical attacks, and quick transitions that have completely overwhelmed Paraguay. Christian Pulisic continues to exploit the left side, where both Juan Jose Caceres and Gustavo Gomez are already on yellow cards, while Paraguay remain in shock and have yet to find a response.

USA double their advantage with a brilliantly worked move down the left. Antonee Robinson delivers a perfectly timed pass to Christian Pulisic, who gets behind Juan Jose Caceres and sends a low cross into the box. Folarin Balogun arrives at the right moment and finishes with confidence to make it 2-0 for the hosts.

USA think they have doubled their lead through Folarin Balogun, but the assistant referee raises the flag for offside. Christian Pulisic is judged to have been beyond the Paraguay defensive line in the buildup, and the goal is ruled out, keeping the score at 1-0.

The action is back underway after the cooling break. USA look to maintain their intensity and control of the match, while Paraguay try to regroup and find a way back into the contest.

The referee signals for the cooling break with USA firmly in control of the match. The own goal has clearly affected Paraguay, who have struggled to respond, while Mauricio Pochettino's modern and high-intensity system continues to put constant pressure on their opponents.

The match gets back underway after the medical evaluation of Omar Alderete and Chris Richards. Both players remain off the field for the moment and wait for the referee's signal before returning to the action.

Play comes to a halt after a hard head-to-head collision between Omar Alderete and Chris Richards. Medical staff from both teams quickly enter the field to evaluate the defenders before the match can resume.

Paraguay pick up their second booking of the match as Gustavo Gomez is shown a yellow card for a foul on Folarin Balogun. Both cautions have now gone to Paraguay defenders as USA continue to cause problems in the attacking third.

Juan Jose Caceres becomes the first Paraguay player booked after bringing down Christian Pulisic. The referee wastes no time and shows the yellow card as USA continue to put pressure on the visitors.

USA take the lead after a brilliant run from Christian Pulisic, who dribbles into the box and creates chaos in the Paraguay defense. The loose ball falls to Weston McKennie, whose pass across the area is turned into the net by Damian Bobadilla after an unfortunate touch, giving the hosts a 1-0 advantage.

USA answer immediately with a quick transition as Sergino Dest and Folarin Balogun combine down the flank. Balogun meets the cross with a first time effort, but Orlando Gill is well positioned and makes a comfortable save to keep the score level.

Paraguay create the first dangerous chance of the match through a great combination between Diego Gomez and Antonio Sanabria. The striker breaks into the box and tries to beat Matt Freese from a tight angle, but his effort takes a deflection and goes away from danger.

The 2026 World Cup opener is officially underway as USA and Paraguay get the action started.

Katy Perry is performing at the 2026 World Cup opening ceremony just minutes before kickoff. The American superstar is leading the pre-match celebration as fans inside the stadium build the atmosphere ahead of USA and Paraguay.

Diego Luna did not make the final USA squad for the 2026 World Cup, with Mauricio Pochettino opting to prioritize the experience of players based overseas. Despite being a dangerous attacking midfielder who has scored 26 goals in 103 appearances for Real Salt Lake, Luna was left out of the roster for the tournament.

Danny Makkelie, the Dutch referee, has been appointed as the official for tonight's World Cup opener and will be in charge of keeping the match under control.

• Referee: Danny Makkelie (Netherlands)
• Assistant referee 1: Hessel Steegstra (Netherlands)
• Assistant referee 2: Jan De Vries (Netherlands)
• Fourth official: Yusuke Araki (Japan)
• Reserve assistant referee: Jun Mihara (Japan)
• Video Assistant Referee (VAR): Carlos Del Cerro Grande (Spain)
• Assistant VAR: Dennis Higler (Netherlands)
• Support VAR: Khamis Almarri (Qatar)

Los Angeles is the host city for tonight's World Cup opener between USA and Paraguay. The City of Stars is ready to welcome a capacity crowd of 70,240 spectators, with Los Angeles Stadium, one of the newest and most luxurious venues of the 2026 World Cup, set to provide the stage for the match.

Paraguay will line up as follows: Orlando Gill; Juan Jose Caceres, Gustavo Gomez, Omar Alderete, Junior Alonso; Damian Bobadilla, Andres Cubas, Diego Gomez; Julio Enciso, Miguel Almiron, Antonio Sanabria.

Here are the confirmed lineups:

USA will line up in a 5-3-2 formation: Matt Freese; Sergino Dest, Alex Freeman, Chris Richards, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson; Malik Tillman, Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie; Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun.

USA vs Paraguay will get underway at 9:00 PM ET (PT: 6:00 PM)

Watch this 2026 World Cup match between USMNT and Paraguay live in the USA on Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, Hulu + Live TV, Peacock Premium, Tubi, FOX and Telemundo.

The 2026 World Cup opening ceremony is officially underway, with Katy Perry and Future headlining the show. Anitta, LISA, Rema and Tyla complete the international music lineup as fans enjoy the celebration before USA and Paraguay kick off the tournament.

Welcome to our live blog of the 2026 World Cup!

USA face Paraguay in their tournament debut as the hosts look to begin their campaign with a strong performance in front of their home fans.

Stay with us for key information and minute-by-minute updates as USA and Paraguay battle it out in their opening match.