The United States launched its FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in spectacular fashion on Friday night, defeating Paraguay 4-1 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, and making history in front of a passionate home crowd.

The victory marked the first time the U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT) has scored four goals in a FIFA World Cup match. It was also the first World Cup win by three goals for the Americans since the inaugural tournament in 1930, when the United States also defeated Paraguay.

The standout performer was 24-year-old striker Folarin Balogun, who scored twice in his World Cup debut and instantly established himself as one of the tournament's emerging stars. Balogun became the first American player since 1930 to score multiple goals in a World Cup match, adding another historic milestone to a memorable night for U.S. soccer.

The Americans took control early when Paraguay's Damián Bobadilla scored an own goal in the sixth minute, giving the hosts a dream start. The momentum continued in the 30th minute when Balogun found the net for his first-ever World Cup goal, doubling the U.S. advantage.

Just before halftime, Balogun struck again with a brilliant finish after connecting with a precise pass from Malik Tillman. His second goal sent the packed stadium into celebration and gave the United States a commanding 3-0 lead heading into the break.

Paraguay pulled one back in the 73rd minute after an injury scare involving U.S. captain Christian Pulisic, but the Americans refused to slow down. Deep into stoppage time, Gio Reyna scored the fourth goal, sealing a landmark victory and ensuring the United States collected all three points in its opening Group D match.

Balogun's rise has become one of the most compelling stories in American soccer. Born in Brooklyn to Nigerian parents and raised in London, he developed through the renowned Arsenal academy and was eligible to represent both England and the United States internationally.

After choosing to represent the United States in 2023, Balogun has rapidly become a key figure for the USMNT. His decision was influenced by the strong support he received from American fans, and his performance against Paraguay suggests that the United States may have found its next global soccer star.

With the World Cup being played on home soil for the first time since 1994, expectations are high for the American squad. Their dominant opening performance against Paraguay has fueled optimism that the hosts could make a deep run in the tournament.

For now, the spotlight belongs to Balogun, whose historic brace helped write a new chapter in U.S. soccer history and provided the perfect start to the nation's World Cup journey.