Pochettino is proud but warns: This is just the beginning for the USA

Los Angeles — The United States stormed into their opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Paraguay 4-1 in an in-form display in Los Angeles.

The game started in the 7th minute when Damian Bobadilla scored an own goal, giving the host nation an early lead — the third-fastest opening goal for a host nation in their first match at a World Cup. Folarin Balogun followed with two goals to end Paraguay's hopes, and Giovanni Reyna sealed the scoring in second-half stoppage time.

After the game, Argentine coach Mauricio Pochettino could not hide his praise, but he emphasized that the job should not be considered done. "Very proud. The players and staff deserve huge credit for this performance," he said, as reported by BBC Sport. "The most important thing is the performance and the feeling. We know it's just the beginning and nothing yet. It's just one game. We have to be smart to continue in this direction."

<figure style="margin:2rem 0;overflow:hidden;border:1px solid #e2e2e2;background:#f9f9f9"><img src="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/omnisport/d3/43/pochettino_qa3rh3gsbskz10tf6096o4lka.jpg?t=-1031291426" alt="Image" style="width:100%;height:auto;object-fit:contain" loading="lazy" /></figure>

Pochettino also gave an update on Christian Pulisic, who was forced off at halftime with a leg injury. "He received a blow to his calf and he felt tight at the end of the first half," explained Pochettino. "We don't want to take a risk. It's hard for him to walk, but we hope it's not too big and he'll be ready for the next one."

Balogun's two-goal performance had a historic twist: he became the second USA player to score multiple goals in a World Cup match since Bert Patenaude—who also scored three against Paraguay in 1930. Christian Pulisic assisted on one of Balogun's goals; Pulisic has reached four goal contributions in his World Cup career (one goal, three assists), trailing only Landon Donovan with five contributions since 1966.

For Paraguay, the lesson they received was strong. Coach Gustavo Alfaro admitted that tactics and discipline have failed them: "At the World Cup we have to leave emotions aside. What matters is decision-making, concentration and the details. The United States won with absolute and clear justice. They beat us tactically, technically and physically."

While the USA will look to keep the momentum going, their next challenges in Group D—including matches against Australia and Turkey—will determine whether the host nation's rise to the tournament truly continues.

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