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Sam Borden
Multiple Authors
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The United States’ World Cup opener was a magical Hollywood party except for one prominent question.
First, the unquestionably good: With a relentless attack, ruthless finishing and an opening half to rival the best 45 minutes in U.S. men’s national team history, the Americans ripped through Paraguay 4-1 to start this home tournament in the sweetest of styles Friday. It was all the U.S. could have wanted.
The three-goal margin of victory was the United States’ largest at a World Cup since a pair of 3-0 wins in the inaugural tournament in 1930.
But now the curious: Christian Pulisic, the star midfielder, was substituted at halftime after delivering a world-class performance. He told reporters afterward that he was taken off as a precaution after getting a kick to his left calf, adding that he’s “really hoping that it’s nothing.”
– Pulisic subbed off at halftime with USMNT rolling
– USMNT rolls past Paraguay — as it happened
It was, in many ways, the only thing that went sideways for the U.S. The 70,492 fans at SoFi Stadium — very few of whom were cheering for Paraguay — celebrated from nearly the opening kickoff.
“That is what we were waiting for,” U.S. head coach Mauricio Pochettino said of the fans’ support. “When you talk about America — that passion, that feeling — today they were amazing, and now they realize that soccer here in America is massive. Be careful other sports.”
Folarin Balogun scored twice in the first half to become the first American with two goals in a World Cup game since the inaugural edition in 1930, and Pulisic was electric before his exit. Pulisic assisted on Balogun’s first goal and set the table for a Paraguay own goal in the seventh minute that opened the doors for a U.S. blowout.
“In the first 45 minutes, I said we were amazing,” Pochettino said. “It’s difficult to find a team to play like this. So happy and so proud.”
Deep into stoppage time, substitute Giovanni Reyna delivered the perfect final flourish with the outside of his right foot that showcased the talent that U.S. fans have yearned to see from him on this kind of stage.
Celebrities in attendance included Halle Berry and Tom Cruise, who sat alongside David Beckham, as well as George Lucas, Rob Lowe and Paris Hilton. NFL stars Derwin James Jr., Puka Nacua and Jaxson Dart also attended.
U.S. women’s national team coach Emma Hayes joined more than 20 current and former USWNT players in the stands. A prematch concert included Katy Perry, Future and Lisa from the K-Pop band Blackpink.
There were also visible reminders of the litany of off-field issues that have muddied the run-up to this tournament. Some fans booed when Iran’s flag was presented during the opening ceremony. Many of the stadium workers, who nearly staged a labor strike over working conditions, wore “KICK ICE OUT” pins, highlighting concerns about American immigration enforcement.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino sat alongside U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Paraguay’s president Santiago Pena attended, but President Donald Trump did not attend the American opener, citing scheduling conflicts.
He missed a show. Balogun, the AS Monaco striker, delivered in his first World Cup appearance. His first goal was a slick finish off Pulisic’s pass. Balogun’s second, which came after he had another goal overturned by an offside call, was a rocket into the top corner that rippled the net and brought the American substitutes pouring onto the field in glee.
“Yeah, it was definitely a statement, three goals in the first half opening game,” Balogun said. “I felt like it was a real statement, and that’s what you wanted to do. So I’m very, very delighted with the overall performance, especially the first half.”
Balogun and Pulisic were hardly the only American stars. Weston McKennie combined well with Pulisic, and Malik Tillman was everywhere. Tyler Adams and Chris Richards each completed 100% of their attempted passes in the first half. Whenever an American got on the ball, it seemed there was a flick or a flash. The confidence was contagious.
Paraguay, a South American stalwart with a soccer identity rooted in defense and grit, upset Brazil and Argentina during this qualifying cycle, but didn’t appear ready for the start of the tournament.
Already trailing by three goals at halftime, most of the players gathered for an impromptu huddle at midfield in which Miguel Almirón and others tried to spark a revival.
It didn’t happen. MaurÃcio, the Paraguayan midfielder, snagged a consolation goal in the 73rd minute, but the game was gone by that point. The U.S. had its party, save for the lingering question over the fitness of its biggest star.
