USMNT World Cup starts strong, Christian Pulisic sets up Team USA for a stunning first goal against Paraguay

The USMNT and Paraguay kicked off at 9 p.m. ET from Los Angeles Stadium. The USMNT, coached by Mauricio Pochettino, enters Friday at the No. 17 spot in the FIFA World Rankings. The [United States' World Cup bid](https://www.foxnews.com/sports/tracking-americas-world-cup-journey-watch-us-mens-national-team) got off to a dream start when Paraguay's Damián Bobadilla scored an own goal in the sixth minute, giving the Americans an early lead in the highly anticipated group stage matchup. [**WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONE**](https://www.fox.com/soccer/fifa-world-cup/watch-world-cup-final-jul-19-2026?cmpid=org=one::ag=owned_other::mc=referral::src=fn::cmp=10010131001::add=6127b) Fans inside the packed stadium in Inglewood, California, roared as the USMNT seized an early advantage. Folarin Balogun doubled the [United States'](https://www.foxnews.com/outkick-sports/us-fans-full-force-ahead-usmnt-first-match-2026-fifa-world-cup) lead in the 30th minute. The New York native celebrated enthusiastically with his teammates after scoring his first World Cup goal, a milestone moment in his international career. [**FOX ONE’S NEW WORLD CUP VIEWING EXPERIENCE**](https://www.fox.com/soccer/fifa-world-cup?cmpid=org=one::ag=owned_other::mc=referral::src=fn::cmp=10010131001::add=6127b) Balogun's strike gave the U.S. a two-goal cushion in the 30th minute, the third-fastest the Americans have reached that mark in a World Cup match. The only time Team USA managed to put the ball in the net sooner was in 2002 against Portugal (29th minute) and in a 1930 meeting with Paraguay (15th minute). Balogun struck again just before halftime, extending the United States' lead and sending the crowd in Inglewood into a frenzy. Balogun raced onto a pinpoint pass from teammate Malik Tillman before curling a shot into the top-left corner for a standout goal. Team USA headed into halftime with a commanding 3-0 lead. Midfielder Mauricio pulled one back for Paraguay in the 73rd minute, trimming the United States' lead to 3-1. The Americans will return to action June 19 against Australia in Seattle. _**Follow Fox News Digital’s**_ [sports coverage on X](https://twitter.com/FoxNewsSports_)_**, and subscribe to**_ [the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter](https://www.foxnews.com/newsletters)_**.**_