Folarin Balogun announced himself on the biggest stage in international football with a sensational man-of-the-match performance, scoring twice as the United States men’s national soccer team cruised to a commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay national football team in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Playing in front of a home crowd at Los Angeles Stadium, Balogun delivered a clinical display to help the United States make a perfect start to the tournament and write a new chapter in the nation’s World Cup history.
The 24-year-old striker, who was born in New York to Nigerian parents based in England, was eligible to represent Nigeria, England, or the United States before ultimately committing his international future to the USA.
On Friday night, he showed exactly why he is regarded as one of the country’s most important attacking talents, Sports247 reports.
The hosts took an early lead in the seventh minute when Paraguay’s Damian Bobadilla inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.
Balogun then doubled the advantage in the 31st minute, finishing confidently to put the Americans firmly in control.
The Monaco forward thought he had added another shortly after halftime, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.
Minutes later, another goal was disallowed following a foul in the build-up. Undeterred, Balogun finally got his second goal of the evening in the 63rd minute, ensuring his outstanding display received the reward it deserved.
Paraguay managed to pull a goal back through Mauricio in the 73rd minute, but the comeback never materialized. Deep into stoppage time, Giovanni Reyna added a fourth goal to complete a dominant 4-1 victory.
Balogun’s brace secured a remarkable place in U.S. soccer history, making him the first American player to score multiple goals in a World Cup match since 1930.
The victory also marked the United States’ highest-scoring World Cup performance and biggest winning margin at the tournament since that same year.
Having contributed 13 goals and four assists for AS Monaco during the club season, Balogun has carried his impressive form onto the international stage.
If this performance is any indication, the striker could prove pivotal as the United States continue their quest for World Cup success on home soil.
With Australia next on the horizon, the hosts have laid down an early statement—and Balogun is leading the charge.
