The United States began their World Cup campaign in impressive fashion by defeating Paraguay 4-1 in Los Angeles. Backed by a crowd of more than 70,000 spectators, Mauricio Pochettino’s team quickly took control and never allowed their opponents to settle into the contest.
The breakthrough arrived after only seven minutes when Christian Pulisic burst into the penalty area and helped create a situation that ended with Damian Bobadilla turning the ball into his own net. The hosts thought they had doubled their advantage midway through the first half when Folarin Balogun found the target, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
The Monaco forward did not have to wait long for his moment. Balogun soon finished confidently from a Pulisic pass before adding a second after racing onto a through ball from Malik Tillman and producing a composed finish into the top corner. By half-time, the Americans held a commanding three-goal lead after producing a dominant display.
Paraguay briefly threatened a comeback after Mauricio reduced the deficit following good work from Julio Enciso, but the home side remained in control. Deep into stoppage time, substitute Giovanni Reyna completed the scoring with a superb strike from outside the area, sealing a convincing victory and an ideal start to Group D.
Pochettino’s side deliver under the spotlight
The opening match in the United States was surrounded by significant attention, featuring a pre-match ceremony led by Katy Perry and attended by celebrities including David Beckham and Tom Cruise. Despite the occasion, the American players handled the pressure comfortably and produced one of the standout performances of the tournament’s opening days.
Pulisic played a central role in setting the tempo, constantly troubling Paraguay’s defence with his movement and creativity. However, concerns emerged when the Milan winger was replaced at half-time. After the match, Pochettino explained that the substitution was precautionary after the player experienced discomfort in his calf following an earlier knock.
Balogun’s performance further strengthened his growing reputation. Born in New York and developed in Arsenal’s academy system, the striker later enjoyed productive spells with Reims and Monaco before committing his international future to the United States. His two-goal display highlighted his importance to a squad aiming to make a significant impact on home soil.
Former players and pundits were quick to praise the Americans, noting the team’s aggressive pressing, attacking approach, and growing confidence under Pochettino. While the manager urged caution regarding expectations, the victory provided encouragement that the hosts could enjoy a deep run in the competition.
Canada fight back to claim first-ever World Cup point
In Toronto, fellow co-hosts Canada also made a memorable start to the tournament, earning a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The result carried historic significance as it represented the first point Canada had ever collected in World Cup finals competition.
The match began brightly for the home side, but Bosnia struck first in the 21st minute. Following a corner from Ivan Basic, Sead Kolasinac flicked the ball on, and Jovo Lukic headed home to give the visitors the advantage. Canada pushed forward in search of an equaliser but entered the interval trailing by one goal.
The second half brought increasing pressure from Jesse Marsch’s side. Richie Laryea came agonisingly close to levelling the score, only for Kolasinac to divert his effort onto the crossbar. Canada continued to attack and saw another opportunity cleared from the goal line as Bosnia attempted to protect their lead.
Marsch’s substitutions eventually changed the momentum. Just over two minutes after entering the match, Cyle Larin spun away from his marker and fired a shot beyond Nikola Vasilj, aided by a slight deflection. The goal sparked huge celebrations inside the stadium and secured a deserved draw for the hosts.
Records, milestones and notable moments
Several memorable achievements emerged from these two opening fixtures. Balogun became only the second American player to score more than once in a World Cup match, joining Bert Patenaude, who achieved the feat against Paraguay during the inaugural tournament in 1930.
The USA’s 4-1 success also matched the nation’s largest World Cup victory, equalling the three-goal wins recorded against Paraguay and Belgium in 1930. It was additionally the first time since that tournament that the Americans had won a World Cup match by a margin of three goals.
Canada created history of their own. Having lost all six previous matches across their World Cup appearances in 1986 and 2022, they finally avoided defeat on football’s biggest stage. Larin’s contribution ensured the co-hosts collected their first-ever World Cup point and first draw in the competition.
Both host nations therefore left their opening matches with reasons for optimism. The United States delivered one of the tournament’s most eye-catching performances, while Canada demonstrated resilience by recovering from a deficit to secure a landmark result in front of their own supporters.
