The United States starts its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 4-1 win over Paraguay at home, powered by a two-goal performance from Folarin Balogun. Multiple outlets report that Balogun scores in the first half, with one goal coming in the 31st minute and a second arriving just before halftime, as the U.S. builds a three-goal lead by the break. The match also includes a goal credited to Reyna in several accounts, contributing to the final 4-1 scoreline. Several reports highlight the historical aspect of Balogun’s brace: he becomes the first American to score multiple goals in a World Cup match in nearly a century, with figures cited as last achieved in 1930 or with a 96-year span. Other coverage notes Balogun’s early tournament form, including claims that he earns consecutive “Man of the Match” awards and helps the U.S. reach the knockout stage. Across sources, the central points remain that the U.S. wins its opening match convincingly, Balogun plays a decisive role with two goals, and his performance is treated as a significant U.S. World Cup milestone.