Balogun Nets Two as USMNT Makes History in 2026 World Cup Opener
Published June 13, 2026
The United States men's national team began its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a resounding 4-1 victory over Paraguay, marking a historic offensive performance led by Folarin Balogun's two goals.
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The United States kicked off its 2026 FIFA World Cup journey on home soil with an emphatic statement, securing a dominant 4-1 win against Paraguay in their opening match. This victory was not only a crucial start to the tournament but also etched the team into the history books, as it marked the first time the USMNT has scored four goals in a men's World Cup fixture.
Leading the charge for the Americans was forward Folarin Balogun, who delivered a standout performance by netting two goals. His brace made him the first U.S. player since 1930 to score multiple goals in a single World Cup match. Balogun, reflecting on the memorable night, described the experience as 'very dreamy,' noting that the reality surpassed his initial visualizations of his World Cup debut.
The last American to achieve such a feat was Bert Patenaude, who famously scored a hat trick against Paraguay in the inaugural 1930 World Cup – a match that also saw the U.S. emerge victorious. Balogun's impactful display underscored a formidable offensive effort by the USMNT, which consistently breached Paraguay's defense and maintained control for much of the game, setting an optimistic tone for their campaign in the 48-team tournament co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Ahead of the match, the team received a call from President Donald Trump, who offered words of encouragement and expressed confidence in their potential to 'go all the way,' commending Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino as a 'fantastic coach.'