Published on 6/13/2026
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Last update: 09:45 (Mecca time)
The United States began its World Cup campaign on Friday with a spectacular performance and a major victory over Paraguay 4-1, in the first match held on American soil in the tournament in 32 years, recording the largest American victory in the World Cup in history.
The United States, which is participating for the 12th time in the World Cup, has come a long way towards qualifying for the round of 32, noting that it has passed the group stage in its last three participations (2010, 2014, 2022).
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Damian Popadia scored for the winner (7 by mistake against his own goal), Folarin Balogun (31, 45+5), Giovanni Reyna (90+8), and for the loser, Mauricio (73).
Pulisic: Great start
Christian Pulisic, one of the most prominent stars of the match, said before his Argentine coach, Mauricio Pochettino, relieved him at halftime: “It was just a great start from the players. We entered with great energy. It was a great performance and a well-deserved win.”
Balogun ‘extremely happy’
As for Balogun, the best player in the match, he said: “I am very happy, as you know. Scoring three goals in the first half of the opening match of the World Cup on our home soil is amazing. So I am happy with everything. What a beautiful occasion, what a beautiful evening. I am looking forward to the next match.”
Pochettino “proud”
Coach Pochettino, whose results were evident in the strong American performance, said after the match: “Victory in this way makes me feel happy and proud… I thank the wonderful fans who came to the stadium. This is the enthusiasm we were waiting for. This is what America means and this is the required enthusiasm. Football here, everyone has come to realize that it is a giant sport. The rest of the sports should be careful (laughing).”
Regarding the condition of his star Pulisic, who left the field injured, he said: “We preferred not to risk Pulisic after seeing him having difficulty walking due to pain at the end of the first half, and we hope that everything will be fine.”
Remarkable presence
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio attended the match, while President Donald Trump said that he would be present in other matches of the tournament, without specifying them.
The match in Los Angeles was preceded by a Hollywood-style opening ceremony with the participation of singer Katy Perry and a number of music stars.
The match was also attended by a group of businessmen and Hollywood stars, such as Bill Gates, George Lucas, Tom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio, Hilary Duff, Paris Hilton, David Beckham – who inaugurated his star on the Walk of Fame on Friday – and his wife, Victoria.
