In the first FIFA World Cup match played on American soil in over three decades, Pochettino’s side didn’t just win. They made history. There are moments in sport that feel scripted — too perfect, too cinematic to be real. On the night of June 12, 2026, at a rocking SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, the United States Men’s National Team delivered one of those moments.
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A Performance That Silenced the Doubters
The USMNT entered this tournament carrying questions — talented individually, but inconsistent as a unit since Mauricio Pochettino took the reins in late 2024. On Friday night, every one of those doubts was incinerated under the California sky.
An own goal gave the U.S. a lead in the seventh minute — a move engineered by Weston McKennie and Christian Pulisic that forced Paraguayan midfielder Damian Bobadilla to put it into his own net. From that moment, there was only going to be one winner.
Folarin Balogun scored twice, becoming the first American with two goals in a World Cup game since the inaugural tournament in 1930. Pulisic was electric — assisting on Balogun’s first goal and setting the table for the own goal opener.
Then, deep into stoppage time, substitute Giovanni Reyna delivered the perfect final flourish — an exquisite trivela with the outside of his right boot that showcased the talent U.S. fans have yearned to see from him on this kind of stage.
World Cup 2026: The Historic Scoreline — By The Numbers
| Match | Tournament | Score |
|---|---|---|
| USA vs Belgium | 1930 FIFA World Cup | 3-0 |
| USA vs Paraguay | 1930 FIFA World Cup | 3-0 |
| USA vs Paraguay | 2026 FIFA World Cup | 4-1 🏆 |
The final tally was a record for the U.S. men, who had never scored more than three goals in a single World Cup match before Friday night.
Balogun’s Night to Remember
Born in New York City to Nigerian parents and raised in London, Balogun was eligible to represent three different nations but chose the U.S. in 2023. His World Cup brace wasn’t just a personal milestone — it was a statement of belonging. After the final whistle, he described the night simply: “A real dream. It was a dreamy night.”
Pochettino was equally effusive: “In the first 45 minutes, I said we were amazing. It’s difficult to find a team to play like this. So happy and so proud.”
What’s Next for the USMNT
The U.S. now face Australia at Lumen Field in Seattle before closing out Group D against Turkey back at SoFi Stadium. With momentum, history, and a home crowd firmly behind them — this team is just getting started.
For full FIFA World Cup 2026 match coverage, player ratings, and fixture guides, head to TechnoSports. You can also check our dedicated World Cup Group D tracker on TechnoSports for the latest standings. For official tournament updates, visit FIFA’s official website.
