Balogun brace steers USA to victory against Paraguay

Folarin Balogun shined with a brace in the United States' 4-1 victory over Paraguay.

LOS ANGELES – The FIFA World Cup 2026 continued with the United States of America winning 4-1 against Paraguay in Group D on Friday at Los Angeles Stadium in Los Angeles, California, USA.

Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie engineered the U.S. opening goal in the 7’, with Pulisic dribbling through the defense to find McKennie in the box and cause an own goal from Damián Bobadilla.

Folarin Balogun extended the lead for the hosts in the 31’ with a right-footed strike just left of the penalty spot to meet a service from Pulisic. The goal marked Balogun’s first in his World Cup debut.

Balogun obtained his brace in the 45’+5’ with a left-footed strike into the top-left corner of goal. Malik Tillman earned the assist by providing the through ball that led to Balogun’s individual brilliance inside the penalty area.

Paraguay cut the deficit in the 73’ through halftime substitute Mauricio.

Giovanni Reyna struck from edge of the box in the 90’+8’ to put a bow on the victory as the Stars and Stripes collected the full three points.

The U.S. will play its second group stage fixture when it hosts Australia on June 19, 3pm ET (12pm local time), at Seattle Stadium in Seattle, Washington, USA.