Folarin Balogun shines with two goals in USMNT's World Cup opener
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 18, 2026, 4:37 AM
Last updated Jun 18, 2026

Folarin Balogun scored two goals during the U.S. Men's National Team’s 4-1 victory over Paraguay on June 16 at SoFi Stadium. Balogun became the first American to score multiple goals in a World Cup match since 1930. His performance reflects his ongoing success at the club level with 14 goals in 19 appearances since February. The USMNT will face Australia next on June 23 in Seattle, looking to maintain their attacking momentum.
- •Balogun has increased his international goals to 11 in 28 matches.
- •His scoring performance came in the team's World Cup opener.
- •USMNT will play Australia next on June 23.
- •Balogun credits team cohesion and coach Mauricio Pochettino for success.
- •He displayed both finishing ability and work rate in the match.
- 4:37 AMYahoo Sports — Folarin Balogun is the USMNT's breakout World Cup star — and a world-class menace up front
"Since joining the national team three years ago, Balogun has injected a world-class striker's menace into the U.S. attack — something that was lacking at the 2022 World Cup.
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