USA turn on World Cup style with 4-1 demolition of Paraguay in front of Beckhams and galaxy of Hollywood stars | OneFootball

Former England Under-21 international Folarin Balogun scored two goals in a convincing win

The United States pulverised Paraguay as they opened their home World Cup campaign with a statement victory in front of a galaxy of stars including former England captain David Beckham and Tom Cruise.

Monaco forward Folarin Balogun, a former England Under-21 international, scored two well-taken first-half goals as Mauricio Pochettino’s side served early notice of their capabilities in a convincing 4-1 win.

The hosts were straight out of the blocks and took an early lead when Paraguay’s Damian Bobadilla prodded a Weston McKennie cross into his own net.

The US were irrepressible, and minutes after Balogun had a goal ruled offside, he made no mistake to finish off a flowing move after Christian Pulisic squared it from the left.

USA stars Sebastian Berhalter and Brenden Aaronson celebrate after the 4-1 win against Paraguay

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They added a third in first-half injury time as Malik Tillman – among tough competition probably the best player on the pitch – released Balogun into the box.

The 24-year-old still had a lot to do but worked his way past two Paraguayan defenders, shifted the ball onto his left foot and picked out the top corner, giving Orlando Gill no chance.

Paraguay’s Brazil-born midfielder Mauricio pulled one back in the 73rd minute after finding space on the left of the box.

But the US restored the three-goal cushion deep into injury time as substitute Giovanni Reyna curled in a sublime shot with the outside of his right foot.

Pulisic was substituted for Sebastian Berhalter at half-time with a calf problem and Pochettino said he “hoped it would not be a big issue” heading into the final two group matches.

Paraguay’s Cesar Samudio fails to save a shot from Giovanni Reyna

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“The performance was really good, we are so happy, but that is only the start,” the Argentinian said.

Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro said: “The US won this match very fairly and clearly. We knew they were a complex rival, we knew they had good attacks and that if we were not ready on the defensive side it would be painful.

Tom Cruise, David and Victoria Beckham pictured during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between USA and Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium

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“They dominated tactically, technically, and physically. There are many details we need to fine-tune.”

Sir David and Lady Victoria Beckham brought celebrity glamour to match as they watched alongside Tom Cruise.

The power couple were spotted watching the match alongside the Mission: Impossible star hours after Sir David received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Other famous faces in attendance included Leonardo DiCaprio, Jamie Foxx, actor Owen Wilson and Modern Family actress Sofia Vergara.

Katy Perry performs before the World Cup 2026 match between USA and Paraguay

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Singer Katy Perry was pictured in the crowd taking in the action alongside her partner, former Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau.

Halle Berry, a Bond girl in the 2002 film Die Another Day, was pictured on the big screen.

Eighties Brat Pack star Rob Lowe, who featured in films such as St Elmo’s Fire and The Outsiders as well as the hit television show The West Wing, was also in attendance, as was socialite Paris Hilton, who appeared to be taking a selfie when the camera cut to her.