Balogun and Pulisic Spark U.S. Optimism in 4-1 Win Over Paraguay

The United States delivered its first major reason for World Cup optimism on Friday night in Los Angeles, beating Paraguay 4-1 before more than 70,000 fans at SoFi Stadium. The result mattered, but the night belonged to 24-year-old striker Florian Balogun, who scored twice and gave U.S. supporters the kind of performance the federation had hoped for when it fought to secure his allegiance.

Balogun’s path to the U.S. team has been unusual. Born in Brooklyn to Nigerian parents, he moved to England at one month old and grew up in London, later playing for England’s youth sides while also drawing interest from Nigeria and the United States. After strong seasons with Reims and Monaco, including impressive Champions League appearances, he used the biggest stage to announce himself to a wider audience. His brace made him the first American player to score twice in a World Cup match since Bert Patenaude in 1930.

Christian Pulisic, who has carried much of the burden for U.S. soccer for years, also starred in the first half. Despite questions about his recent form at Milan, he was involved in nearly every dangerous attack, drove through the Paraguayan defense to set up the opening goal, and assisted Balogun’s second. He did not return after halftime and was replaced by Sebastian Berhalter, prompting brief concern about an injury, but U.S. reports said he did not appear to be hurt. Pulisic was seen signaling to family in the stands that he was “fine,” and Mauricio Pochettino is believed to have avoided risking him after his strong opening 45 minutes.

Pochettino also earned credit for an aggressive, attack-minded setup. He chose a more offensive lineup, pressed high from the start, and saw his team dominate the tempo with energy and intensity. Paraguay struggled to cope throughout long stretches. The atmosphere matched the performance, with fans waving flags, singing, and describing the night on social media as a “soccer party” and, for some, the first time the U.S. felt like a true soccer nation. Supporters who traveled from Chicago said they paid more than $2,000 for tickets and planned to attend 14 matches during the tournament. Even so, Americans know one win changes nothing, but the way they opened a home World Cup has raised expectations.