US forward #20 Folarin Balogun leaves the pitch during the 2026 World Cup Group D football match between USA and Paraguay at the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on June 12, 2026. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP)
United States striker Folarin Balogun stole the spotlight after scoring twice in his side’s 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Saturday.
The Nigerian-born forward found the net in the 31st minute before adding a second just before half-time to help the co-hosts secure a comfortable win. After the match, Balogun described the performance as a dream come true.
“A real dream, you know? It’s a dream, it’s a dreamy night,” he told reporters after.
“I’ve not been able to take it all in afterwards… I’m sure when I get back to my hotel and I rest, I’m sure I’m going to really be able to be in the moment and experience how much of an amazing night this is.”
