The United States men’s soccer team opened the World Cup, which it is co-hosting with Mexico and Canada, with a 4-1 victory over Paraguay. The match took place under Friday night lights at SoFi Stadium before a sellout crowd of 70,492 fans. While the victory did not resolve all tournament issues regarding visas, tickets, and transportation, the performance was noted for its impact on the tournament’s opening statement. The U.S. Team achieved several statistical milestones during the match. They scored multiple goals in a World Cup first half for the first time since 2002. Folarin Balogun, a Brooklyn-born forward of Nigerian descent raised in England, scored two goals, becoming the first player to do so since 1930 and only the second U.S. Men’s national team player to ever score two goals in a single World Cup game. Also, defender Chris Richards completed 83 of 83 passes, a rate the Anchorage Daily News reported as the best by any player at a World Cup since 1966. The Americans also held 71% of the ball possession during the first half, the most in a first half of a World Cup game in the modern era. The victory came against a Paraguayan side that had allowed only 10 goals in 18 World Cup qualifying matches, a team the United States previously defeated 2-1 in November. Following the game, coach Mauricio Pochettino thanked the fans for their energy, stating that the team can do “amazing things” with their support. In postmatch remarks, Pochettino praised several players, including Christian Pulisic, Balogun, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Weston McKennie, Antonee Robinson, Alex Freeman, and Sergiño Dest. Landon Donovan, a star of the 2002 team that reached the quarterfinals, shared on X that the match was the “most enjoyable day of soccer I’ve ever experienced.” The U.S. Men’s national team also shared the phrase “Together as Won” on their official Instagram account.