Inglewood– It was a marvelous beginning for the United States men’s soccer team 2026 FIFA  World Cup first game, obliterating Paraguay 4-1 in group D on Friday, June 12. 70,492 jubilant and patriotic fans filled the stands as team USA made a powerful opening statement.

The pandemonium and noise began hours prior to the kickoff, and never stopped throughout the entire match. Even extending to the parking lot after the victory.

The United States’ World Cup opener was a magical Hollywood party. The three-goal margin of victory was the United States’ largest at a World Cup since a pair of 3-0 wins in the inaugural tournament in 1930.

Folarin Balogun scored twice in the first half to become the first American with two goals in a World Cup game since the inaugural edition in 1930, and Christian  Pulisic was electric before his exit. Pulisic assisted on Balogun’s first goal and set the table for a Paraguay own goal in the seventh minute that opened the doors for a U.S. blowout.

Have no worries- He told reporters afterward that he was taken off as a precaution after getting a kick to his left calf, adding that he’s “really hoping that it’s nothing.”

Celebrities in attendance included Halle Berry and Tom Cruise, who sat alongside David Beckham, as well as George Lucas, Rob Lowe and Paris Hilton. NFL stars Derwin James Jr., Puka Nacua and Jaxson Dart also attended.

Balogun’s second goal came in the waning seconds of the first half. He juked a defender in the box, firing  a rocket into the top corner that rippled the net and brought the American substitutes pouring onto the field in glee.

“Yeah, it was definitely a statement, three goals in the first half opening game,” Balogun said. “I felt like it was a real statement, and that’s what you wanted to do. So I’m very, very delighted with the overall performance, especially the first half.”

This certainly looked like a team that could be a dark horse in this tournament. Clearly growing into a squad that possesses confidence and chemistry is what the USMNT has become.

“That is what we were waiting for,” U.S. head coach Mauricio Pochettino said of the fans’ support. “When you talk about America — that passion, that feeling — today they were amazing, and now they realize that soccer here in America is massive. Be careful other sports.”

Maurício, the Paraguayan midfielder, snagged a consolation goal in the 73rd minute, but Gio Reyna made it a lopsided 4-1 win with a late goal.

With the three points, the U.S. sits atop the table in Group D for the moment. The other two nations in the group, Australia and Türkiye, have not played yet and will face each other on Saturday, June 13 at BC Place Vancouver.

Our next test for our  team travels up the coast to Seattle, Wash. for a meeting with Australia on Friday, June 19 . Kickoff is slated for 12:00 PM.