Mauricio Pochettino claimed that is only the start after his USA team opened their World Cup campaign with a rousing 4-1 hammering of Paraguay in Los Angeles.Folarin Balogun was the hero with two goals as the tournament co-hosts surged into a 3-0 half-time lead with a powerful 45-minute display that left the South Americans reeling.We are so happy, but that is only the start, Pochettino said. We need to enjoy that start of the tournament, but knowing that we need to keep going and trying to improve and try to do better in this game because with me, all the games [will be] very competitive.Im so happy. The players deserve big credit about the performance. And then its not only to talk about some names, its about talking about the collective. I think its not only [Balogun] or different player that can perform. I think the team was amazing.Table of ContentsPulisic worry for USABrilliant Balogun admits opening night was a dream for USAPulisic worry for USAThe only negative on the night was Christian Pulisic having to be withdrawn at half-time after a scintillating display that helped create the first two goals.The AC Milan star burst through the Paraguay defence and played in Weston McKennie, whose cross was turned into his own net by Damian Bobadilla after seven minutes.There was no fortune attached to the USAs second with Pulisic picking out Balogun to fire home.Balogun made it 3-0 in first-half stoppage time, running on to Malik Tillmans through ball to curl a brilliant effort past Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill.Pulisic then departed with the game seemingly won and the indication afterwards was that it was merely a precaution.He told Fox Sports: I just got a bit of a kick first half, so Im really hoping that its nothing. Taking a little bit of precaution today, but Im hoping Ill be fine the next few days. Just the back of my leg, my calf area. But Ive had similar things before, and Im staying positive. I dont think its anything at all.Brilliant Balogun admits opening night was a dream for USAThe second half lacked the goalmouth action of the first and Paraguay caused a few nervous flutters around SoFi Stadium when Mauricio pulled one back with 17 minutes to go. But a Paraguay comeback never materialised and Gio Reyna capped a wonderful evening for the hosts with an outside-of-the-foot finish with the final kick of the game.Its a dream. Its a dreamy night, Balogun said. Ive not been able to take it all in after this. Im sure when I get back to my hotel and I rest, Im sure Im going to really be able to be in the moment and experience how much of an amazing night this is.While it was a fantastic start for the US, it was not what Paraguay had envisaged and they will look to bounce back when they face Turkey next Saturday. Topics Paraguay national football team United States Men's National Soccer Team Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read World Cup 2026: Full list of confirmed teams, fixtures, groups and results Ben Miller 13th June, 2026 USA v Paraguay: Live commentary, updates, goals and stats as they happened from co-hosts opening win Jon Fisher 13th June, 2026 World Cup 2026 opening ceremony time: Shakira, Katy Perry start times and where to watch full show on TV and live online stream with Madonna set for final Ben Miller 12th June, 2026 USA v Paraguay: Line-ups, stats and preview for hosts World Cup opener Mitch Fretton 12th June, 2026 48 teams, 12 groups and an expanded knockout stage: How World Cup 2026 will work Tom Rostance 3rd June, 2026 USA v Germany: International friendly line-ups, stats and preview, TV channel, live online stream and prediction for 2026 FIFA World Cup warm-up match Ben Miller 6th June, 2026
