![\"Folarin](\"https:\/\/kcpredict.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/balogun-300x200.jpg\")
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Folarin Balogun was named Man of the Match after producing a brilliant display to help the United States defeat Paraguay 4-1 in their opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.<\/p>\n
The Monaco striker played a leading role as the tournament co-hosts made history by scoring four goals in a World Cup match for the first time, with Balogun finding the net twice in an outstanding first-half performance at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.<\/p>\n
After an early own goal from Paraguay’s Damian Bobadilla gave the Americans the lead, Balogun took centre stage.<\/p>\n
The 24-year-old doubled the advantage in the 31st minute, finishing confidently after being picked out by Christian Pulisic.<\/p>\n
He then struck again deep into first-half stoppage time, latching onto a through ball from Malik Tillman before calmly beating the goalkeeper to make it 3-0.<\/p>\n
Balogun’s movement, pace, and finishing caused Paraguay problems throughout the evening, with the striker consistently finding space behind the defence and leading the line with authority.<\/p>\n
The former Arsenal academy graduate remained a constant threat after the break and received a standing ovation from the home crowd when he was eventually substituted.<\/p>\n
His contribution proved crucial in laying the foundations for a comfortable American victory.<\/p>\n
Paraguay managed to pull a goal back through Mauricio in the 73rd minute, but any hopes of a comeback were ended in stoppage time when Giovanni Reyna produced a stunning trivela finish to seal a 4-1 victory for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.<\/p>\n
Balogun’s display continued the impressive form he showed towards the end of the club season with Monaco.<\/p>\n
The striker became just the second American player to score more than once in a World Cup match, adding another notable achievement to an already memorable evening.<\/p>\n
The United States played with confidence, intensity, and attacking flair throughout the contest, overwhelming Paraguay for long periods and creating numerous scoring opportunities.<\/p>\n
With Australia and Turkey still to come in Group D, American supporters will be encouraged by both the result and the manner of the performance.<\/p>\n
If the hosts can maintain the same level of energy and attacking quality shown against Paraguay, they could emerge as one of the most entertaining sides in the tournament.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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