Balogun's Historic World Cup Debut
Folarin Balogun Scores Two in US World Cup Debut, Making History
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Folarin Balogun scored two goals in a 4-1 demolition of Paraguay on June 12, 2026, giving the United States its biggest-ever World Cup winning margin AP News. The 24-year-old striker became the first U.S. player to score multiple goals in a World Cup game since Bert Patenaude in 1930 The Washington Post. The match drew 70,492 fans to a sold-out SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California — the first World Cup on U.S. soil in 32 years.
Balogun could have played for England or Nigeria. He chose the U.S. — the country he was born in. "My decision to represent the United States came together with my family," he said after the match. "It feels like I'm at home here" AP News.
How Balogun Dismantled Paraguay in 45 Minutes
The U.S. struck fast. In the 7th minute, Paraguayan midfielder Damián Bobadilla deflected a Weston McKennie cross into his own net to make it 1-0 LA Times. Then Balogun took over. In the 31st minute, he slotted home a penalty after a Christian Pulisic assist — his first official World Cup goal AP News.
Balogun struck again before halftime. In the 45th minute, he beat a sliding defender and fired into the top corner to make it 3-0 FOX Sports. It was the first three-goal halftime lead in U.S. World Cup history. Gio Reyna added a fourth in the 90th minute with a "trivela" — a curling outside-of-the-boot shot — after Paraguay had pulled one back AP News.
Brooklyn Born, London Raised, Now America's Striker
Balogun was born in Brooklyn but moved to London when he was just one month old. He joined Arsenal's youth academy at age 8. He played for England all the way through the under-21 level. He was also eligible for Nigeria through his parents FanSided. FIFA approved his one-time switch to the U.S. in May 2023.
His story reflects a broader U.S. Soccer strategy. The federation has actively recruited dual-nationals — players with ties to other countries — including Sergiño Dest from the Netherlands, Antonee Robinson from England, and Malik Tillman from Germany FanSided. U.S. media frames Balogun as a returning Brooklyn hero. International outlets call him a "star recruit" The Independent.
Pulisic, Pochettino, and a Team Built for This Moment
Christian Pulisic set up Balogun's penalty, logging his 21st career assist — tying him for 4th most in U.S. history The Washington Post. He was subbed off at halftime in what the team called a precautionary move NBC Sports. Captain Tim Ream, 38, became the oldest U.S. player ever to appear in a World Cup. He called the home tournament a "once-in-a-career opportunity."
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino, hired in 2024, built a system that Balogun says keeps everyone competing. "Nobody feels like their place is guaranteed," Balogun said FOX Sports. U.S. soccer legend Landon Donovan praised Balogun's movement, saying he is becoming a genuine household name who can match the legacies of players like Clint Dempsey Sports Illustrated.
A Historic Night With a Complicated Backdrop
The match was watched by a star-studded crowd that included David Beckham, Katy Perry, and Future News4JAX. Nigeria, the country of Balogun's parents, did not qualify for the tournament. Nigerian outlets noted the irony of a Nigerian-born striker leading the Americans Pulse Sports Nigeria. Some British media questioned why England never fully integrated Balogun into the senior team.
The night was not without tension. Protesters gathered outside SoFi Stadium over the presence of ICE agents at World Cup venues Reuters. Travel bans on visitors from countries like Iran and Senegal also drew criticism. Still, analysts say the dominant U.S. performance could "alter the direction of soccer in this country for the next generation" LA Times.
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