World Cup Co-Hosts Experience Contrasting Openers as USA Shine and Canada Fight Back
The united state's men's soccer team celebrate after scoring against Paraguay The opening days of the 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered two very different stories for North America's co-hosts. While the United States stormed to an emphatic victory in Los Angeles, Canada had to dig deep to salvage a draw in a historic night in Toronto. At SoFi Stadium, the United States produced one of the tournament's most impressive performances, defeating Paraguay national football team 4-1. The Americans played with confidence from the opening whistle and quickly established control through an early own goal by Damián Bobadilla. The star of the show was Folarin Balogun, who scored twice in a dazzling first-half display. Supported by captain Christian Pulisic and midfielder Malik Tillman, the hosts overwhelmed Paraguay and raced into a 3-0 halftime lead. Although Paraguay found a consolation goal through Maurício Prado in the second half, the United States had the final word when substit...
