USA Run Riot: Balogun Sinks Paraguay 4-1 at the World Cup
Updated 17 June 2026.
USA vs Paraguay at World Cup 2026 ended 4-1 to the co-hosts, with Folarin Balogun scoring twice and Giovanni Reyna adding a late fourth as the United States opened Group D in style. An early own goal set the tone, Balogun’s brace put the game to bed by half-time, and the only blemish was a Paraguay reply just after the hour. It was the most emphatic win of the tournament’s first two days.
| Match facts | Detail |
|---|---|
| Result | USA 4-1 Paraguay |
| Competition | World Cup 2026, Group D |
| Scorers (USA) | Bobadilla own goal 7′, Balogun 31′ & 45+5′, Reyna 90+8′ |
| Scorers (Paraguay) | Mauricio 73′ |
| Cards | None |
How the USA beat Paraguay 4-1
The United States started fast and never let Paraguay settle. The hosts were ahead inside seven minutes when Damián Bobadilla turned the ball into his own net, and the early lead let the USA play with freedom. Folarin Balogun made it 2-0 on 31 minutes, taking his chance with the kind of composure the United States have wanted from a centre-forward.
Balogun struck again deep in first-half stoppage time, on 45+5, to make it 3-0 and end the contest as a competition before the break. Two goals in a half from the striker was the headline, and a 3-0 interval lead let the USA control the second period rather than chase it.
Paraguay’s reply and a late fourth
Paraguay pulled one back through Mauricio on 73 minutes, a moment that briefly threatened to make the closing stages nervy. It did not last. The USA saw the game out comfortably and added gloss in the eighth minute of stoppage time when Giovanni Reyna finished for 4-1, capping a statement opening performance.
There were no red or yellow cards of note, a calmer game than the tournament’s bad-tempered opener a day earlier. For the United States, the clean execution mattered as much as the scoreline.
What it means for Group D
The 4-1 win put the USA top of Group D on goal difference after the opening round, level on three points with Australia, who beat Türkiye 2-0. Paraguay and Türkiye are both yet to score a point. With goal difference the first tie-breaker in the 48-team format, the margin of this win could prove valuable later. Follow the group on our standings page.
For the co-hosts, a four-goal opening win answers questions about their attack and gives real momentum. Balogun’s brace, in particular, is the sort of return that can settle a striker for the rest of a home tournament.
What is next
The United States and Paraguay both return for their second Group D fixtures, with kick-offs on our fixtures page and goals live on live scores. This match was part of a busy day two; see the full rundown in our World Cup 2026 June 12 results round-up, and read the format and venues in our complete World Cup 2026 guide.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score in USA vs Paraguay?
The United States beat Paraguay 4-1 in their World Cup 2026 Group D opener on 12 June, with Folarin Balogun scoring twice and Giovanni Reyna adding a late fourth.
Who scored for the USA against Paraguay?
An own goal from Damián Bobadilla (7′) opened the scoring, Folarin Balogun struck twice (31′ and 45+5′) and Giovanni Reyna added the fourth (90+8′). Mauricio (73′) replied for Paraguay.
Did the USA win their opening World Cup 2026 match?
Yes. The United States won their opening match 4-1 against Paraguay, the most emphatic result of the tournament’s first two days, to start Group D with three points.
Source: 2026 FIFA World Cup Group D.
