Historic Victory for U.S. Soccer in World Cup Opener

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A landmark achievement unfolded as the United States secured a commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay during the FIFA World Cup 2026 opener in Southern California. This marked the first instance in history where the U.S. scored a minimum of four goals in a World Cup game.

Folarin Balogun, aged 24, emerged as a standout performer, becoming the first American since 1930 to net multiple goals in a single World Cup match. The win also signaled a first for Team USA in terms of clinching a World Cup game by a margin of three goals since the team’s previous triumph over Paraguay in 1930.

Balogun’s debut World Cup appearance for the U.S. was marked by two goals, contributing significantly to the momentous occasion for American soccer. An early goal within seven minutes set the tone, with the team racing to a 3-0 lead. Despite Paraguay managing to score in the 73rd minute after U.S. captain Christian Pulisic sustained an injury, Gio Reyna added a fourth goal in the final seconds, securing three points for the U.S. in the World Cup standings.

The scoring began as Paraguay’s Damián Bobadilla inadvertently scored an own goal in the sixth minute, granting the U.S. an early advantage in the match held at SoFi Stadium, filled with enthusiastic fans.

In the 30th minute, Balogun furthered the lead with his first-ever World Cup goal, making it the third-fastest time the U.S. established a two-goal cushion in its World Cup history—a feat previously achieved quicker only against Portugal in 2002 and in another match against Paraguay in 1930.

Balogun’s remarkable night continued as he netted another goal before halftime. His score followed an accurate pass from teammate Malik Tillman, culminating in a shot into the top-left corner, sending the audience into raptures.

Balogun was born in Brooklyn to Nigerian parents and raised in London. His journey to professional soccer commenced at the Arsenal academy, discovered at just eight years old playing in London’s local league. Having had options to play for either the U.S. or England, he was swayed by the overwhelming support from American fans during a visit to the U.S. in 2023, ultimately deciding to pledge his allegiance to the United States.

Christian Pulisic also played a pivotal role in the match, celebrating with teammates following the own goal by Damian Bobadilla. As the tournament progresses, Balogun stands as America’s newest star in a World Cup played on home soil after three decades.