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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Sport
Jeff Rueter at Los Angeles Stadium

USA bulldoze Paraguay as co-hosts romp to victory in World Cup opener

Folarin Balogun celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's third goal during their win over Paraguay
Folarin Balogun celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's third goal during their win over Paraguay. Photograph: Patrick T Fallon/AFP/Getty Images

Across the parking lot from Los Angeles Stadium sits the Forum. In the 1980s, it served as the stage for one of American sports’ most enthralling entertainment outfits, the Los Angeles Lakers. Opening their campaign at the 2026 World Cup in front of 70,492 fans, the US men’s national team embraced the Lakers’ Showtime ethos.

The US began their campaign with aplomb, playing Paraguay off the pitch in a 4-1 win.

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