USMNT leads Paraguay 2-0 at World Cup opener in Los Angeles

The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) leads Paraguay 2-0 at half-time during their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The fixture, played at Los Angeles Stadium, represents the first World Cup match hosted on US soil since 1994. Folarin Balogun scored the second goal for the United States, effectively doubling their lead against Paraguay during the first half.

This Group D opener takes place against a backdrop of mixed public sentiment regarding the tournament. Polls indicate that half of Americans are indifferent to the event, with concerns persisting regarding low public awareness and high ticket prices. This stands in contrast to the 1994 World Cup, which previously boosted football popularity in the country and contributed to the creation of Major League Soccer.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the first tournament to feature an expanded format, including a record number of African nations. However, early tournament developments have already sparked scrutiny. South Africa suffered a defeat to co-hosts Mexico in their opening match, raising questions about the continent's competitive prospects despite their increased numerical presence.

Further complications have emerged for other participating nations. Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey was denied entry to Canada by immigration authorities on 17 June. The decision prevented the 32-year-old from travelling from the squad’s training base in Providence, Rhode Island, to Toronto for Ghana’s opener against Panama, as he faces a trial in London.

As the match continues, the USMNT maintains control of the game at Los Angeles Stadium. The outcome of the fixture remains undetermined, with the current scoreline reflecting only the first half of play. Specific details regarding the timing of Balogun’s goal or the identity of the first goal scorer are not provided in the initial reports.