Full Breakdown
United States Opens 2026 World Cup with 4-1 Win Over Paraguay
6/13/2026, 8:10:23 AM
Core Event & Context
June 12, 2026 – United States 4, Paraguay 1 at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood. An own goal by Damian Bobadilla (7´) gave the hosts the lead. Folarin Balogun scored twice (31´, 45+2´) after assists from Christian Pulisic, who also set up the first two goals. Giovanni Reyna added a fourth in stoppage time; Paraguay’s Mauricio scored (73´). This was the first World Cup match on U.S. soil since 1994 and the opening fixture of the 48-team tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Data & Statistics
Balogun’s brace was the first multigoal U.S. performance in a World Cup since 1930. First-half possession was 75 %; touches in the opponent’s box 53 vs 9. Attendance 70,492 (sell-out). Expected goals 1.35 (FotMob). Ticket sales exceeded 6 million globally; resale prices for this match ranged $1,940–$13,000.
Why It Matters
The four-point win gives the United States a goal-difference advantage and momentum for the Group D clash with Australia on June 19. Scoring four goals establishes a new offensive benchmark and validates Mauricio Pochettino’s attacking system.
Official Statements & Responses
Captain Tim Ream said the result was “exactly the way we wanted to start the tournament,” stressing confidence for the group stage. Paraguay defender Junior Alonso noted “the opposition were better than us” and called for improvement. Secretary of State Marco Rubio led the U.S. delegation, seated with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Paraguayan President Santiago Peña.
Criticism & Opposition
Ticket-pricing analysts highlighted a gap between FIFA’s advertised $60 entry tickets and resale prices up to $13,000, with Leander Schaerlaecks observing “there are far more games and therefore tickets to be sold.” Political commentators criticized President Donald Trump’s decision not to attend the opener, citing a “tight schedule” and a polarized domestic climate.
On-the-Ground Reports
The stadium hosted a celebrity-filled crowd, including Tom Cruise and David Beckham. Fans gathered at the LA Memorial Coliseum fan festival. The opening ceremony featured performances by Katy Perry, Future, Anitta and K-pop star Lisa, creating an “electrified” atmosphere.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on ticket pricing: one report cites $60 tickets that sold out, another documents resale listings as high as $13,000 for the same match. Coverage of President Trump’s attendance varies, with some outlets saying he will attend the final in New Jersey and others stating he will not travel to Los Angeles for the opener.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It's exactly the way we wanted to start the tournament.” — Tim Ream, U.S. captain
- “I just called to say you’re a fantastic guy, a fantastic coach,” — Donald Trump, President of the United States
- “There are far more games and therefore tickets to be sold,” — Leander Schaerlaecks, soccer columnist, The Guardian
- “Got a bit of kick in the first half, so I’m really hoping that’s nothing,” — Christian Pulisic, U.S. forward
What’s Next
The United States travels to Seattle’s Lumen Field to face Australia on June 19. Paraguay’s next match is against Turkey in San Francisco. Both teams will aim to build on or recover from the opening results as Group D progresses.
