USMNT player ratings: Folarin Balgun’s history-making World Cup double gets 10 as Pulisic shines

Folarin Balogun was the star of the show as the US stormed to victory in their World Cup opener with a stunning 4-1 win against Paraguay.

Balogun scored twice, the first American man to do so in World Cup match since 1930 as Mauricio Pochettino’s team made the perfect start to the 2026 tournament, which they are co-hosting.

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After all the build up, Chris Richards returned to start in defense, and completed all 83 of his passes – the most passes in a game with a 100% record since 1966.

In front of a star-studded crowd in Los Angeles on Friday night, the US were levels above their opposition who topped their group South American group ahead of Brazil and Argentina.

It took just seven minutes for the USMNT to find their opener, when Christian Pulisic beat two defenders with smart dummy to burst into the box and tee up Weston McKennie.

His cross was turned into the net by Paraguay’s Damian Bobadilla, which marked the third-fastest goal in World Cup history for the US.

However Balogun and Richards were not the only players to make a starring impression in Hollywood – the hosts were aggressive from the get-go, McKennie rising to the challenge having had his attitude and focus questioned ahead of the game.

Balogun had the ball in the net again just before the 30-minute mark, when he finished well from a tight angle, but the goal was ruled out for an offside in the build-up.

The forward swept home again seconds later from a low Pulisic cross, and that one counted to double the lead.

Balogun then scored his second on the stroke of half-time, curling a beautiful effort into the top corner after showing impressive composure to hold off two defenders.

The USMNT went into halftime in total control — and made history having scored three first-half goals at the World Cup for the first time ever.

While the first 45 minutes were explosive, such a lead allowed Pochettino’s side to coast through much of the second half, and Mauricio handed Paraguay a late lifeline to close the gap.

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But substitute Giovanni Reyna provided a moment of magic for the US at the death, curling in a stunning effort with the outside of his boot, which gave his team a 4-1 win. With three points on the board and history made, talkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs has given his player ratings for all that featured in Los Angeles.

Matt Freese (6)

A virtual spectator despite Mauricio’s goal, which he has not at fault for.

Alex Freeman (6)

Looked comfortable in possession but will feel he could have done better for the Paraguay goal.

Chris Richards (6)

Calm at back with excellent positional awareness.

Tim Ream (6)

Able to watch on as the attackers stole the show and rightly saw a yellow card rescinded by VAR following a Miguel Almiron dive.

Antonee Robinson (6)

Not quite as lively as Dest on the right but a solid shift nonetheless.

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Tyler Adams (7)

Pressed well off the ball and ensured Paraguay couldn’t do any damage in transition. Couldn’t stop Mauricio’s goal despite tracking back in the box.

Malik Tillman (7)

Had one deflected shot from the edge of the area. Covered plenty of distance off the ball and got into some threatening areas.

Sergino Dest (8)

Heavy first touch after receiving Balogun’s pass forcing him to cut the ball back instead of shoot. However, a real threat down the right. Deserved better with some of the dangerous balls he put in the box.

Weston McKennie (9)

Outstanding and set the tone, especially in the opening 25 minutes. Saw his cross turned in by Damián Bobadilla.

Christian Pulisic (9)

A positive and explosive run to play his part in the opening goal, and an assist via a cutback for Balogun’s first goal. Taken off at half-time with further clarification from Mauricio Pochettino incoming.

Folarin Balogun (10)

Two goals on his World Cup debut, and one narrowly disallowed for offside. Paraguay couldn’t handle his pace and physicality.

Substitutes

Gio Reyna was the pick of the bunch, coming off the bench with a Golazo.

With top performances all over the pitch, the USMNT cleared their first hurdle of this summer’s World Cup.

They will be looking to keep their form ahead of next week’s game against Australia, which will see the team head to Seattle in search of another three points.

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