USA Crush Paraguay 4-1 as Canada Secure Historic First World Cup Point Against Bosnia and Herzegovina

Co-hosts USA and Canada began their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaigns in contrasting fashions on Friday.

While USA routed Paraguay 4-1 in Los Angeles, Canada battled hard to force a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto.

The US dominated Paraguay right from kick-off before a sell-out crowd of over 70,000 at Los Angeles Stadium, scoring four goals for the first time in the tournament amd winning by their largest margin.

Folarin Balogun struck a brace in the first half and Paraguay defender Damián Bobadilla scored an own goal as USA led 3-0 at half time.

Substitute Gio Reyna added a late fourth as Mauricio Pochettino's side made an emphatic start to their Group D campaign.

Paraguay reduced the margin through substitute Mauricio in the 73rd minute, but by then it was clear who would win.

"We started the tournament the way we wanted to," USA coach Mauricio Pochettino said.

"The players showed courage, intensity and quality. It is important to win the first match, but we must stay focused because there is still a long way to go."

Balogun was adjudged the player of the match and said they had sent an early message to their rivals.

"We wanted to be aggressive from the first minute. Playing a World Cup at home is special and we wanted to give the fans something to celebrate," he said.

Earlier in Toronto, Canada fought back to claim a hard-fought 1-1 draw in Group B. Bosnia went ahead in the 21st minute when Jovo Lukic headed home to silence the 43,000-strong crowd but Canada pulled level through substitute Cyle Larin in the 78th minute to secure their first-ever point at a FIFA World Cup.