Adjacent to the Los Angeles Stadium lies the Forum, once the iconic venue for the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1980s. On the opening day of the 2026 World Cup, the US men’s national team kicked off their journey in front of a packed crowd of 70,492, channeling the Lakers’ famed Showtime spirit.
Starting their World Cup campaign on a high note, the US team delivered a resounding 4-1 victory against Paraguay.
Prior to the match, Mauricio Pochettino expressed a calm confidence, stating there was no need for an impassioned speech for players eager to shine in their home World Cup. Drawing inspiration from a member of Argentina’s triumphant 1986 World Cup squad, he emphasized the importance of playing with joy and concentration.
The players responded brilliantly in a scintillating first half.
From the outset, the US seized control, with Christian Pulisic and Malik Tillman showcasing their creativity and flair, each earning yellow cards for the Paraguay defense. The opening goal arrived swiftly, within the first 10 minutes. Tim Ream delivered a precise ball to Alex Freeman, who set up Weston McKennie. The Juventus midfielder surged forward, passing to Pulisic, who then squared it for McKennie. His shot deflected off Damián Bobadilla and found its way into the net.
Unlike previous US teams that often eased off after scoring, this squad maintained relentless pressure. Making his World Cup debut, Folarin Balogun scored two remarkable goals within 20 minutes. The first came in the 31st minute from a cross by Pulisic. His second goal, just before halftime, showcased his skill as he deftly maneuvered past Gustavo Gómez, placing the ball into the top corner.
Pulisic was substituted at halftime, a precautionary decision rather than an injury concern, as Pochettino sought to protect his star player from unnecessary fouls as Paraguay attempted to regain momentum.
After the break, Paraguay improved, adjusting their strategy to monitor Balogun’s movements and tightening their defense to limit the US’s space.
Eventually, Paraguay managed to score. In the 73rd minute, a misstep from the US defense followed a restart by goalkeeper Orlando Gill. Tyler Adams’s clearance fell to Miguel Almirón, who quickly passed to Julio Enciso. Enciso then set up substitute Maurício, allowing him to slot the ball past Matt Freese.
This goal served as a consolation for Paraguay and highlighted vulnerabilities within the US team. Gaps in the defense could be exploited by upcoming opponents like Australia and Turkey, who may challenge Freese’s instincts more rigorously.
However, those concerns can be addressed later. Since being named co-hosts for this World Cup, every action of a US international has been scrutinized in light of this summer’s tournament. Rather than succumb to the pressure, this team displayed a strong resolve to affirm their place on this grand stage.
To cap off the match, as Paraguay focused on defending their goal difference, Gio Reyna, who came on as a late substitute, skillfully placed the ball beyond Gill using the outside of his boot.
This World Cup cycle has been a journey with its ups and downs, but Friday’s performance was a testament to the preparation and talent of this US team. For 45 minutes, they executed their game plan flawlessly.
