Mauricio Pochettino has cautioned the United States against becoming complacent after their commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Playing in front of their home fans in Los Angeles, the Americans made an explosive start and controlled much of the contest. Folarin Balogun grabbed a brace, while Giovanni Reyna added a late goal to seal an emphatic win.
Despite the convincing scoreline, Pochettino stressed that the team still has a long way to go in the tournament and must remain focused on the challenges ahead.
“So, so proud. Players and staff deserved big credit for this performance,” he said.
“The most important thing is the performance and the feeling. We know it is only the start and it is nothing. It is only one game. Now we need to be intelligent to keep [going] in that direction.”
The Argentine manager praised the way his players handled the pressure of opening the World Cup as hosts, describing their first-half display as one of the best he has seen.
Balogun’s two goals placed him in the history books as only the second American player to score more than once in a World Cup match. Christian Pulisic also played a key role before being withdrawn at half-time due to a calf problem.
“He received a kick in his calf and he felt tight at the end of the first half,” Pochettino explained.
“We didn’t want to take any risks. It was difficult for him to walk, but we hope that it is not a big issue and he can be ready for the next one.”
On the other side, Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro admitted his team were second best throughout the encounter, acknowledging that the United States outperformed them in every aspect of the game.
“At a World Cup you have to leave emotions to one side,” Alfaro told reporters. “What matters are decision-making, concentration and the details.”
“United States won with absolute justice and clarity. They surpassed us tactically, they surpassed us technically and they surpassed us physically.”
