Folarin Balogun shines for USA in World Cup opener against Paraguay
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 13, 2026, 1:06 PM
Last updated Jun 13, 2026
Folarin Balogun scored twice as the USA defeated Paraguay 4-1 in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup in Los Angeles on June 13. Balogun's journey began in New York when his parents were on holiday, making him an accidental American citizen. He chose to represent the USA after exclusion from the England national team. His performance highlights a broader strategy by the US Soccer Federation to secure talent with American ties, contributing to a diverse roster. Balogun's success adds depth to the team's attacking options, which may alleviate concerns about other players' performances.
- •Folarin Balogun scores twice against Paraguay
- •USA wins 4-1 in World Cup opener
- •Balogun born in Brooklyn to Nigerian parents
- •His choice underscores US Soccer's talent strategy
- •Monaco player previous season recorded 19 goals
- 1:06 PMYahoo Sports — Meet Folarin Balogun, the accidental immigrant leading USA’s World Cup charge
"Balogun was born in New York when his parents were on holiday from London but the USA embracing the striker as its new star is a delicious irony to Donald Trump’s stance on immigration
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