LOS ANGELES: United States coach Mauricio Pochettino refused to single out any individual player for praise following the co-hosts’ dream World Cup opening win, insisting the 4-1 victory on Friday over Paraguay was a collective effort.

The US demolished Paraguay on an electric night in Los Angeles, with Folarin Balogun bagging a brace and Gio Reyna scoring a late stunner, plus an early own goal.

“It’s not only to talk about some names, it’s about the collective,” said Pochettino.

“It’s not only Balo or different players that performed. I think the team was amazing. Not only the starting 11 but all the players around and on the bench.”

Pressed by a journalist at his post-game conference about the performance of US talisman Christian Pulisic, Pochettino refused to budge.

“You push me to talk about names, and it’s about the team, it’s a collective performance. Of course, he was amazing,” said the coach.

He then went on to name nearly every member of the US lineup, praising each as also “amazing”. Pochettino was also effusive in his praise for the 70,000 crowd in Los Angeles.

Despite some media reports suggesting that the US public is not as invested in the tournament as other World Cup hosts — particularly with the ongoing NBA Finals drawing eyeballs away from the football — the atmosphere was raucous in the Los Angeles Stadium.

“On behalf of the whole team, massive thank you to the fans, because the energy that they relate to the team was amazing, and we can do amazing things with if the fans are in this way,” said Pochettino.

The US is now in a strong position to progress from Group ‘D’, which also contains next Friday’s opposition Australia, and Turkiye.

“We are so happy, but this is only the start,” said Pochettino. “It’s still two games to play. We need to enjoy this start to the tournament, but know that we need to keep going and try to improve and try to do better in the next game, because all the games are very competitive.”

The US entered the event amid a swirl of uncertainty after a series of defeats and unconvincing performances in pre-World Cup friendlies.

But any doubts about their ability to progress past the first round were obliterated in a dazzling first-half display which saw them roar into a 3-0 lead to all but seal victory.

“Amazing result,” US captain Tim Ream said. “Obviously, it’s exactly the way we wanted to start the tournament. There’s not a whole lot of words to describe the feeling.

“Scoring four goals, getting three points, it sets you up for the rest of the group stage, for sure.”

Balogun was ecstatic after scoring twice on his World Cup debut but the striker said he didn’t plan on celebrating wildly.

“A real dream, you know? It’s a dream, it’s a dreamy night,” he told reporters after.

“I’ve not been able to take it all in afterwards… I’m sure when I get back to my hotel and I rest, I’m sure I’m going to really be able to be in the moment and experience how much of an amazing night this is.”

Asked what he will do to celebrate, he replied: “To be honest, I think I’ll probably just watch some Netflix.”

The only blemish on the US performance was the conceding of a Paraguay goal from Brazil-born Mauricio in the 73rd minute after hesitancy in the hosts’ defence.

Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro admitted his team had been second best in every department. We knew it was going to be difficult and that if we weren’t ready defensively it could be painful,” Alfaro said. “They dominated tactically, technically, and physically as well.”

Pop star Katy Perry got the party started with a rousing performance just before kick-off while Hollywood royalty including Tom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio and Halle Berry were among a 70,492 crowd. Perry was accompanied by singers Future, Tyla, Anitta and K-pop star Lisa.

Performers danced around a giant World Cup trophy beneath enormous “FIFA” letters in the gold favored by US President Donald Trump, who did not attend, instead wishing the team luck via phone before kickoff.

Published in Dawn, June 14th, 2026