The United States of America (USA) kicked off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a beautiful 4-1 triumph over Paraguay on Saturday 13 June, 2026 at Los Angeles Stadium.
It was an easy ride for the host nation, thanks to a brace from former Arsenal striker, Folarin Balogun, in the first 45 minutes of the showdown.
Balogun, 24 years old, has now emerged the second player of the USA to find the back of the net more than once in a World Cup match, after Bert Patenaude.
Patenaude netted thrice for the Americans in 1930 also against Paraguay. The hat-trick was the tournament’s first ever as the 1930 World Cup was the inaugural edition.
The Yanks quickly went in front in the 7th minute through an own goal from Damian Bobadilla after Christian Pulisic manoeuvred through two (2) defenders with speed before locating midfielder, Weston McKennie, whose cutback was converted by Bobadilla.
The World Cup 2026 co-hosts thought they had found their second in the 28th minute, but, Balogun’s goal was struck out for offside; however, three (3) minutes after, the Americans netted the second through the striker, converting Pulisic’s assist
The Americans continued to search for more goals, and found in the 5th minute of first half additional time, once again through Balogun from Malik Tillman’s assist, to make it 3-0 for USA.
The Paraguayans continued to suffer intense pressure from the Yanks, but, it was the White and Red that netted after the restart in the 73rd minute. Former Brighton and Hove Albion forward, Julio Enciso, provided for Mauricio, who pulled one back for Paraguay.
The USA sealed victory with the goal from substitute Giovanni Reyna in the 8th minute of additional time with an assist from La Liga club, Villarreal, right winger, Alex Freeman.
Reyna found the goal with the outside of his right foot as the Americans carted maximum points from the Group D game in Inglewood, California.
Folarin Balogun
Folarin Balogun fields as a striker for French Ligue 1 club, AS Monaco. He was born on 3 July, 2001 in Brooklyn, New York City, United States (US). He will turn twenty-five (25) next month.
Born to Nigerian parents in the US. At a very tender age, Balogun alongside his parents moved to the United Kingdom (UK) and grew up in London, England.
He kicked off his senior career with English Premier League club, Arsenal, for three seasons (2020 – 2023); he had two (2) loan spells with two different clubs, Middlesbrough and Reims, before moving to AS Monaco on a permanent deal in 2023.
Balogun featured for England’s Under 17 and 18 before switching to the United States of America (USA), where he now represents as a senior team player.
Photo: Folarin Balogun celebrates goal for USA in the FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against Paraguay on Saturday 13 June, 2026 in Los Angeles
