India, June 13 -- The FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage kicked off with a historic statement from the host nation as the United States men's national soccer team romped to a 4-1 victory over Paraguay on Saturday in their Group D opener.

Under the guidance of new manager Mauricio Pochettino, the co-hosts delivered their most explosive offensive display in history, as this marks the first time the USMNT scored four goals in a single World Cup match. Forward Folarin Balogun took center stage, firing a brace in front of a rapturous sellout crowd of 70,492 at the Los Angeles Stadium.

England vs Paraguay

The tone was set just seven minutes into the match. A swift, incisive passing combination between Weston McKennie and Christian Pulisic compl...