US thrash Paraguay 4-1 in dream World Cup start

The United States launched their 2026 World Cup co-hosting duties with a resounding 4-1 triumph over Paraguay, fueled by a Folarin Balogun brace and a late stunner from Gio Reyna. The match, played in front of a star-studded crowd including Tom Cruise and Leonardo DiCaprio at the Los Angeles Stadium, saw the hosts take an early lead through an own goal in the seventh minute. The US dominated the first half, showcasing confidence and attacking flair, with Balogun adding a second goal before halftime after a superb assist from Antonee Robinson. He then completed his brace with a curling shot into the top corner, extending the lead to 3-0. The US controlled 75 percent of possession in the first half, with their dominance evident in numerous attacks and a disallowed goal. Despite the commanding lead, the co-hosts faced a potential setback with the halftime withdrawal of key player Christian Pulisic, who is carrying national hopes for a deep tournament run. In the second half, Paraguay managed to pull a goal back through substitute Mauricio, but Reyna sealed the emphatic victory with a spectacular fourth goal in stoppage time. The win places the US in a strong position to advance from Group D, which also includes Australia and Turkey.

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The US could scarcely have scripted a better start to their World Cup as a Folarin Balogun brace and Gio Reyna curler fired the co-hosts to a 4-1 drubbing of Paraguay in front of Hollywood royalty in Los Angeles on Friday.