Story perspectives

U.S. Crushes Paraguay 4-1, Balogun Scores Historic Double

6/14/2026

Summary

Balogun Scores

The United States beat Paraguay 4-1 in opener at SoFi Stadium on June 13, 2026, with Folarin Balogun scoring twice, the first U.S. player with multiple World Cup goals since 1930.
Damián Bobadilla’s own goal gave early lead, and Christian Pulisic’s assist tied him for fourth-most U.S. assists.
Gio Reyna added fourth goal in the 79th minute, sealing win and setting up a June 19, 2026 match against Australia.

Summary

USMNT Breaks Records

Attendance reached 70,492, the seventh-largest crowd ever for the U.S. men’s World Cup team and the biggest since 1994.
The FOX broadcast attracted 15.98 million viewers, the most-watched U.S. World Cup match in history.
Pre-match entertainment featured performances by Katy Perry, Future and Blackpink’s Lisa, turning kickoff into a concert-style spectacle.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino sat beside U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio while President Donald Trump cited scheduling conflicts and did not attend.

History

Historical Context

In 1994 the United States secured the 15th FIFA World Cup, held from 17 June to 17 July and achieving an unbeaten attendance record of 3,587,538 spectators. Brazil won its fourth title after a penalty shoot-out in the Rose Bowl final. The tournament’s commercial and logistical success created a model that continues to shape World Cup matches held in the United States.

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Balogun Scores

The United States beat Paraguay 4-1 in opener at SoFi Stadium on June 13, 2026, with Folarin Balogun scoring twice, the first U.S. player with multiple World Cup goals since 1930.
Damián Bobadilla’s own goal gave early lead, and Christian Pulisic’s assist tied him for fourth-most U.S. assists.
Gio Reyna added fourth goal in the 79th minute, sealing win and setting up a June 19, 2026 match against Australia.

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