2026 World Cup: USA’s Nigerian‑born striker Balogun makes history as the U.S. defeats Paraguay.

United States striker Folarin Balogun netted twice as the U.S. defeated Paraguay 4‑1 in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Saturday.

Balogun scored in the 31st minute and added a second just before half‑time.

His first‑half brace made him the first American to score more than one goal in a single World Cup match in 96 years.

Balogun was born in Brooklyn, United States, to Nigerian parents. Although he was born in America, he spent only a short time there before moving to England with his family, making him eligible to represent the United States, England and Nigeria.

After the match, he 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.

“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.”