The United States launched its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in emphatic fashion on Friday night, defeating Paraguay 4-1 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and delivering what many observers are calling the most impressive performance of the tournament so far.
Led by a dazzling attacking display from Folarin Balogun, who scored twice and had another goal ruled out for offside, Mauricio Pochettino's side showcased the quality, depth, and confidence that have fueled growing optimism surrounding the host nation's World Cup ambitions.
The victory marked a dream start for the Americans in front of a packed crowd at the state-of-the-art SoFi Stadium, where fans witnessed a first-half performance that combined relentless energy, technical precision, and clinical finishing.
Pochettino, who has repeatedly urged his players and supporters to believe that the United States can compete with the world's elite, saw his vision come to life in spectacular fashion.
"Why not? We can dream," Pochettino has often said when asked whether the United States can win the World Cup.
On Friday night, that dream suddenly appeared far more realistic.
Christian Pulisic was at the heart of the early attacking surge, tormenting Paraguay's defense with his pace and creativity. The AC Milan star played a crucial role in creating opportunities and provided the assist for Balogun's opening goal before being substituted at halftime as a precaution after sustaining a knock.
"I just got a bit of a kick in the first half, so I'm really hoping that it's nothing," Pulisic said afterward. "Taking a little bit of precaution today, but I'm hoping I'll be fine the next few days."
Balogun, making his World Cup debut, looked every bit the elite striker the United States has long sought. The Monaco forward displayed composure and confidence throughout the match, capping his performance with a stunning finish into the top corner that left goalkeeper Orlando Gill with no chance.
"It's a dream," Balogun said. "It's a dreamy night."
The United States' attacking balance was equally encouraging. Sergiño Dest consistently threatened down the right flank, while Weston McKennie excelled in an advanced midfield role, helping link defense and attack with intelligence and creativity.
After taking a commanding lead into halftime, the Americans continued to dictate the pace of the game. Paraguay briefly pulled a goal back through substitute Mauricio, but any hopes of a comeback were quickly extinguished when Gio Reyna came off the bench and curled a superb strike past Gill to seal the victory.
Beyond the result itself, the performance highlighted the growing maturity of a squad no longer solely dependent on Pulisic for inspiration. Balogun's emergence, McKennie's influence, and Reyna's impact off the bench demonstrated the depth available to Pochettino as the tournament progresses.
The match also carried significance beyond the field. With the World Cup being hosted on American soil, many view the tournament as a pivotal moment for the growth of soccer in the United States. While the sport continues to gain popularity nationwide, the national team's ability to capture the imagination of the broader public remains a central storyline.
Friday's victory represented an ideal first step.
The atmosphere at SoFi Stadium reflected the global nature of the tournament, with strong support from both American and Paraguayan fans. Celebrities including David Beckham, Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Halle Berry, Hilary Duff, and Vince Vaughn were among those in attendance to witness the statement victory.
For a nation eager to make its mark on the world's biggest sporting stage, the result could hardly have been more encouraging.
"Poch has said many times, why not us?" Balogun said after the match. "We have to believe. You can't do anything if you don't believe in yourself."
After a dominant opening-night performance, belief is rapidly growing throughout American soccer.
