World Cup 2026: USA make history with record-breaking 4-1 win over Paraguay

The United States made a dream start to their home FIFA World Cup campaign by producing a series of historic milestones in a commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday.

In front of a crowd of 70,492, the co-hosts raced into an unprecedented 3-0 lead before half-time, the first time the United States has ever achieved that feat in a World Cup match.

Weston McKennie set the tone with an early opener after just seven minutes, recording the third-fastest goal scored by a host nation in an opening World Cup match, according to Opta. Only France in 1938 and Germany in 2006 scored sooner.

Folarin Balogun then stole the show with two first-half goals to become the first American to score twice in a World Cup match since Bert Patenaude's famous hat-trick against Paraguay in 1930, the only previous World Cup meeting between the two nations.

Balogun's brace helped the United States establish a commanding advantage before the break as Paraguay struggled to contain the hosts' attacking intensity.

The Americans continued to dominate after half-time before Paraguay pulled one back through Mauricio in the 73rd minute following an assist from Julio Enciso.

Substitute Gio Reyna put the result beyond doubt in stoppage time, sealing a record-breaking 4-1 victory, the highest-scoring World Cup win in United States history.

An unbeaten start for the hosts 👊#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/4QzUcsDgCS

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 13, 2026

The four goals also surpassed the three the Americans managed during their entire 2022 World Cup campaign in Qatar and marked the first time they had scored three or more goals in a World Cup match since 2002.

The victory also extended the United States' impressive record against Paraguay, making it four consecutive wins and improving their overall head-to-head record to five victories, two defeats and two draws.

The United States will next face Australia in Seattle on June 19 as they look to secure qualification for the knockout stage, while Paraguay will attempt to revive their campaign in their second Group D fixture.