United States Rout Paraguay 4-1 in Landmark Home World Cup Opener

Folarin Balogun registered a brace, with his second finish curled into the top corner, as the United States opened their World Cup campaign with a commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay in Los Angeles.

The hosts surged through the first half and held a 3-0 advantage at the break in their first home World Cup in 32 years. Christian Pulisic set up one of the goals with a telling pass during a bold, forward-minded display that energised the home support and produced the Americans' largest margin of victory at this tournament.

Gio Reyna added another in stoppage time to complete a 4-1 scoreline, giving the United States their first four-goal outing in a single World Cup match.

The showing reflected growing attacking belief under head coach Mauricio Pochettino, with the side playing with freedom in front of a full house. The result stood in sharp relief to leaner returns the programme has posted at recent World Cups.

Pulisic was withdrawn at half-time as a precaution after feeling tightness in his left calf, linked to a knock picked up in training earlier in the week. Even without him, the United States kept control. Paraguay pulled one back in the second half through Maurício, though the first-half deficit proved too steep to overcome.

In another group fixture at MetLife Stadium, Brazil and Morocco finished level at 1-1. Morocco went ahead in the 21st minute through Ismael Saibari after a strong start. Brazil replied 11 minutes later when Vinícius Júnior worked a move with Bruno Guimarães on the left and fired past goalkeeper Yassine Bounou to restore parity and lift the large Brazilian crowd.

The five-time champions have not lifted the trophy since 2002 and remain in pursuit of a first title in more than two decades. The draw extended Brazil's unbeaten run in World Cup openers to 21 matches, with 17 wins across that stretch.

Both sides are regarded as serious contenders in the expanded 48-team tournament. Brazil are set to face Haiti next, while Morocco continue their group path against Scotland. Brazil were without star forward Neymar, who was ruled out with a calf injury.