Four goals and an electric display: USMNT’s World Cup opener was nearly perfect

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The United States men’s national team had been waiting for the start of this FIFA World Cup for what seemed like an eternity. When the moment finally arrived, many wondered if they would meet it and give U.S. fans something worth celebrating.

They did indeed, earning a 4-1 victory over Paraguay in a World Cup opener that ticked nearly all of the boxes for the tournament co-hosts. Christian Pulisic was electric, having a hand in the first two U.S. goals before departing at halftime. The midfield trio of Tyler Adams, Malik Tillman and Weston McKennie was dominant for long stretches, full of slick combinations and touches going forward and providing relentless defensive pressure when asked to retreat. The much-maligned backline, which welcomed the return of center back Chris Richards, was solid for the most part, though it did concede Mauricio’s 73rd-minute tally.

And then there was Folarin Balogun. The AS Monaco forward has long been viewed as the missing piece to this U.S. side since switching his allegiance from England in 2023. There have been moments, such as the 2023 Concacaf Nations League final win over Canada, when he has met those expectations. But the World Cup is a stage like no other, and Balogun delivered a spectacular performance with two impressive goals, the first showing total composure and the second the perfect combination of precision and power.

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How impressive was Balogun’s performance? The last USMNT player to score more than one goal in a World Cup match occurred in 1930, when Bert Patenaude scored a hat trick, also against Paraguay. Goals at the World Cup have been hard to come by for the USMNT ever since that tournament, scoring 28 over the past eight editions. The four goals the U.S. scored Friday were its most ever in a World Cup match. This, against a side that’s supposed to have a strong defense.

“We are so happy, but that is only the start,” Pochettino said. “We need to enjoy about 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.”

The U.S. took the lead in the seventh minute when McKennie played Pulisic into space, collected a return feed, and then watched his pass deflect off Damián Bobadilla and into the Paraguay net. It might not have been how the U.S. drew it up, but it provided an invaluable boost in confidence and momentum.

There was no drop-off in the USMNT’s intensity, and Balogun doubled the U.S. advantage in the 31st minute. Pulisic was released down the left wing, and his pass took just enough of a deflection to sit up perfectly for Balogun to side-foot it home.

The U.S. would have gladly taken a two-goal lead into halftime, but Balogun and his teammates stayed aggressive. Tillman played Balogun into space, but there was still work to do. Balogun fended off a tackle, stayed patient and then blasted the ball into the top corner for a highlight reel goal.

“It’s a dream. It’s a dreamy night,” Balogun said afterward. “I’ve not been able to take it all in after this. I’m sure when I get back to my hotel and I rest, I’m sure I’m going to really be able to be in the moment and experience how much of an amazing night this is.”

The USMNT’s level dropped in the second half after the departure of Pulisic, who told Fox Sports that he took a kick to the left calf and came off as a precaution.

“I just got a bit of a kick first half, so I’m really hoping that it’s nothing. Taking a little bit of precaution today, but I’m hoping I’ll be fine the next few days,” Pulisic told Fox Sports. He added, “Just the back of my leg, my calf area. But I’ve had similar things before, and I’m staying positive. I don’t think it’s anything at all.”

Mauricio’s goal added a sliver of tension, but the lead was restored in the seventh minute of second-half stoppage time, as Giovanni Reyna delivered the coup de grace with a sublime outside-of-the-foot finish.

Balogun will still get most of the plaudits, but despite his brilliance, it would be almost unfair to single out one player. The team was the star Friday.

“I’m so happy. The players deserve big credit about the performance,” Pochettino said. “And then it’s not only to talk about some names, it’s about to talk the collective. I think it’s not only [Balogun] or different player that can perform. I think the team was amazing.”

The win against Paraguay was about as complete a team performance as there has been in the Pochettino era, an effort fans have been craving from the moment he was hired. There have been spurts of quality, such as last November’s 5-1 dismantling of Uruguay. But that was a friendly. As much as Pochettino likes to tout how there is no such thing, the nature of such games always provides a bit of a handbrake in terms of momentum.

There have also been enough sobering performances to temper expectations when it came to the World Cup. Three months ago, the U.S. looked well below the standard needed in a World Cup after losing to Belgium 5-2 and Portugal 2-0. But in the biggest moment — at least so far — the U.S. delivered.

Now, U.S. fans can breathe easier. The upcoming games against Australia and Türkiye figure to be much tougher, so while this wasn’t a must-win game, it was badly needed, and is a positive first step.

It’s a result that also shows signs of the USMNT’s promise, one that this World Cup was designed to showcase. Eight years ago, the U.S. was awarded co-hosting rights for this World Cup with Canada and Mexico. Expectations were ratcheted up immediately. Those only increased when the USMNT reached the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup with a young side that looked primed to grow and reach even greater heights. Then, the wheels fell off with a group stage exit at the 2024 Copa America, sparking a move away from Gregg Berhalter and toward Pochettino.

The Argentine was the kind of manager whom fans had been asking for, one who would take this talented side to the next level. Yet, progress has been slow, with the team seemingly taking a step back for every one it took forward. But now, on the biggest stage, the most tangible signs of progress yet are visible.

There is still work to be done. Pochettino won’t be pleased at how the U.S. was a bit looser defensively in the second half. But overall, the manager, players and fans can have few complaints.

The USMNT’s World Cup is off to a nearly perfect start.