Folarin Balogun Scores Brace for USA in 2026 World Cup Opener
On June 13, 2026, Monaco striker Folarin Balogun scored a brace for the United States in their World Cup group stage match against Paraguay, becoming the first Ligue 1 player to score in the 2026 tournament. His performance made him the fourth Monaco player to net a brace in a World Cup match, joining Klinsmann, Henry, and James Rodríguez. Balogun also became the seventh player in World Cup history to score twice within his first 31 minutes of a debut start, a feat last achieved by Miroslav Klose in 2002. The match was held in Los Angeles and New Jersey, with the US co-hosting the tournament.
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Arsenal could earn millions from Folarin Balogun's World Cup performance due to sell-on clause
Former Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun scored a brace for the USMNT in their 4-1 World Cup opener against Paraguay in Los Angeles, becoming the first American to score two goals in a World Cup match since 1930. Arsenal negotiated a 17.5% sell-on clause when they sold Balogun to AS Monaco in August 2023 for £34 million including add-ons. If Monaco sells Balogun this summer after his 19-goal season and World Cup heroics, Arsenal will receive a significant portion of the transfer fee. There was no buy-back clause in the deal. Balogun described the night as 'dreamy' and expressed belief in the USMNT's chances in the tournament.
Mirror - Transfer NewsArsenal could earn millions from Folarin Balogun's World Cup performance due to sell-on clause
Former Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun scored two goals for the USMNT in their 4-1 World Cup opening win against Paraguay in Los Angeles. The 24-year-old's performance has increased his market value, potentially triggering a 17.5% sell-on clause that Arsenal negotiated when selling him to AS Monaco in August 2023 for £34 million. Balogun had a 19-goal season for Monaco, and despite interest from Inter Milan and AC Milan, Monaco is keen to keep him. Arsenal does not have a buy-back clause and is not prioritizing a new striker. Balogun described the night as 'dreamy' and emphasized the team's belief in their World Cup chances.
Mirror - Transfer NewsArsenal could earn millions from Folarin Balogun's World Cup heroics due to sell-on clause
Former Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun scored two goals for the USMNT in their 4-1 World Cup opener against Paraguay in Los Angeles, becoming the first American to score a brace at a World Cup since 1930. The article reports that Arsenal negotiated a 17.5% sell-on clause when they sold Balogun to AS Monaco in August 2023 for £34 million. If Monaco sells Balogun this summer after his 19-goal season, Arsenal stands to profit significantly. Balogun, 24, said the performance was a 'dreamy night' and that the USMNT believes they can compete. There was no buy-back clause in the deal, and Arsenal is not prioritizing a new striker this transfer window.
Mirror - Transfer NewsFolarin Balogun Stars for USA at Home World Cup After Arsenal Rise and National Team Switch
Folarin Balogun scored twice for the United States in their 4-1 World Cup opening win over Paraguay in Los Angeles. The striker, born in New York to Nigerian parents while they were visiting from London, rose through Arsenal's academy and represented England at U21 level. After a breakout loan at Reims in Ligue 1, he transferred to Monaco for £35m in 2023. That same year, he chose to switch international allegiance to the USA. After an injury-disrupted 2024/25 season, Balogun finished the campaign in strong form, scoring in eight consecutive league games and netting twice against PSG in the Champions League. His performance against Paraguay, including two goals, made him the hero of the tournament's opening night for the co-hosts.
SkySports | NewsBalogun's Unexpected US Citizenship: Mother Denied Boarding Led to World Cup Star's Birth in Brooklyn
In the 2026 World Cup group stage, the United States defeated Paraguay 4-1, with Monaco forward Folarin Balogun scoring twice in the first half. According to the UK's Daily Telegraph, Balogun's ability to represent the US stems from an incident 25 years ago. In 2001, his mother Florence was seven months pregnant and traveling in New York. When she tried to return to the UK, the airline refused to let her board due to safety concerns over her visibly large belly. She later recalled her stomach was 'astonishingly large.' The return trip was canceled, and Balogun was born in Brooklyn, New York, automatically acquiring US citizenship. He grew up in London, entered Arsenal's youth academy, and played for England's U21 team before switching to the US national team in 2023. After the match, Balogun said he hopes to prove his decision was right.
虎扑 - 足球Folarin Balogun Lives the World Cup 'Dream' He and U.S. Soccer Envisioned
The Athletic reports on Folarin Balogun's standout performance for the USMNT in their 4-1 World Cup victory over Paraguay on June 12, 2026. Balogun scored two goals, becoming the first American to do so in a World Cup match since 1930, and leading the U.S. to its most dominant World Cup win. The article highlights how Balogun, a New York-born striker eligible for three countries, was recruited by U.S. Soccer three years ago with a secret dinner in Orlando. His decisive finishing has filled a long-standing need for a star No. 9, and teammates like Christian Pulisic praise his lethal form. The piece frames Balogun's performance as potentially transformative for the U.S. team's World Cup prospects on home soil.
Soccer - The AthleticFolarin Balogun lives the World Cup 'dream' he and U.S. Soccer envisioned he would
The Athletic reports on Folarin Balogun's standout performance in the USMNT's 4-1 World Cup victory over Paraguay on June 12, 2026. Balogun scored two goals, becoming the first American to achieve this feat in a World Cup match since 1930. The article highlights how Balogun, who was recruited by U.S. Soccer in 2023 after being eligible for three countries, has fulfilled the federation's hopes of becoming a star striker. His decisive finishing and confidence are credited with transforming the USMNT's attack, which had lacked a reliable No. 9 for over a decade. Christian Pulisic praised Balogun as 'lethal in front of goal.' The win is described as the most dominant in USMNT World Cup history, sparking optimism about the team's potential in the tournament.
Soccer - The AthleticFolarin Balogun Credits Monaco Coaches for World Cup Goal-Scoring Surge
Folarin Balogun, the 24-year-old USMNT striker, scored twice in the United States' 4-1 World Cup opening victory over Paraguay, becoming the tournament's early top scorer. The article details his remarkable turnaround after a slow start at Monaco, where he scored only 9 goals in 55 matches before October 2025. Since the arrival of Belgian coach Sebastien Pocognoli and assistant Kevin Mirallas, Balogun has netted 22 goals in 36 matches, including 19 this season for Monaco and 6 for the US national team. Balogun credits the coaching staff for restoring his confidence and helping him understand the game better, particularly in front of goal. The Brooklyn-born, London-raised forward, who came through Arsenal's academy, was purchased by Monaco for €30 million in 2023 after a breakout loan at Reims.
FútbolHow USMNT star Folarin Balogun accidentally gained US citizenship
Folarin Balogun scored twice for the USMNT in a 4-1 World Cup opening win over Paraguay, becoming the first American to score two goals in a World Cup match since 1930. The article reveals that Balogun's US citizenship was accidental: his mother Florence was heavily pregnant and denied boarding a flight from New York to London in 2001 due to her belly size, leading to Balogun's birth in Brooklyn. He spent his first months in a relative's apartment before returning to England. Balogun later joined Arsenal's academy at age seven, represented England at youth levels, but chose to play for the United States in May 2023. He now has 11 goals in 28 USMNT appearances and helped win the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League.
Yardbarker: SoccerAS Monaco Eyes Profit After Folarin Balogun's World Cup Brace for USA
Folarin Balogun scored two goals in the United States' 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup, becoming the first USMNT player to score a brace in a World Cup match since 1930. The 24-year-old AS Monaco striker, who had 19 goals in 43 appearances last season, is expected to be sold by the club this summer. Monaco hopes the World Cup performance will increase his market value, especially as Balogun is keen to return to England. American media outlets including ESPN, The Athletic, and CBS Sports praised his performance, with CBS Sports rating him 9/10 and declaring that the USMNT has finally found its striker. Balogun, who chose to represent the United States in 2023 after youth caps for England, described the night as a 'dream'.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertBalogun Scores Brace as USA Beats Paraguay 4-1 in World Cup Group Stage
In a World Cup group stage match, the United States defeated Paraguay 4-1, with Balogun scoring a brace (two goals). According to Stats Foot, this marks the first time in U.S. history that the team led by three goals at halftime in a World Cup match. Additionally, Balogun became the 15th Monaco player to score in a World Cup, placing Monaco second among Ligue 1 clubs in this statistic, behind only Paris Saint-Germain, which has 18 goals from its players. The match was reported by Hupu Football News on June 13.
虎扑 - 足球Folarin Balogun Scores Brace in Dream World Cup Debut as USA Beats Paraguay 4-1
Folarin Balogun scored twice in his first World Cup match, leading the United States to a 4-1 victory over Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The Monaco striker opened the scoring in the 31st minute with a right-footed finish from a Christian Pulisic pass, then added a second just before halftime with a left-footed strike into the top corner. Pulisic, who assisted the first goal, was substituted at halftime due to thigh discomfort but praised Balogun as 'deadly in front of goal.' Coach Mauricio Pochettino watched from the sidelines as the US team played with energy and passion. Balogun, who chose the US national team in 2023 after representing England at youth levels, said the evening exceeded his imagination and that he wanted to show fans he made the right decision. The US now faces Australia and Turkey in the group stage.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuUSMNT World Cup Day 2 Recap: Dominant Win Over Paraguay, Pulisic Injury Concern
On Day 2 of the 2026 World Cup, the USMNT delivered a historic 4-1 victory over Paraguay, their best-ever World Cup performance with four goals. Folarin Balogun scored twice, and Gio Reyna added a spectacular goal. However, star winger Christian Pulisic was withdrawn at halftime as a precaution due to calf tightness, raising fitness concerns. Co-hosts Canada secured their first-ever World Cup point with a late draw in Toronto. The Athletic also reported that Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey was denied entry to Canada due to ongoing rape and sexual assault charges in the UK, meaning he will miss their match against Panama. The USMNT now has a 97% chance of advancing to the knockout stage according to projections.
Soccer - The AthleticFolarin Balogun Ends USMNT's 96-Year World Cup Multi-Goal Drought
Folarin Balogun scored a brace for the United States Men's National Team (USMNT) in a 4-1 victory over Paraguay at SoFi Stadium, marking the first multi-goal World Cup performance by a USMNT player since Bert Patenaude's hat-trick in 1930. Balogun's goals came in the 30th minute and first-half stoppage time, giving the US a 3-0 halftime lead. Paraguay pulled one back in the second half, but Gio Reyna sealed the win in stoppage time. The result puts the US top of Group D with three points. The team next faces Australia on June 19, while Paraguay meets Türkiye on June 20.
Yardbarker: SoccerFolarin Balogun Scores Two Goals for U.S. in World Cup Debut Against Paraguay
Folarin Balogun, a 24-year-old striker who could have represented England or Nigeria, scored two goals for the United States in their 4-1 victory over Paraguay in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group D match at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Balogun became the first U.S. player to score multiple goals in a World Cup game since Bert Patenaude in 1930. Born in Brooklyn to Nigerian parents and raised in England, Balogun chose to play for the U.S. after representing England at youth levels. The match, played in front of 70,492 fans including retired England captain David Beckham, saw the U.S. take a 3-0 lead by halftime. Christian Pulisic assisted Balogun's first goal, tying for fourth most assists in U.S. history. The victory marked a strong start for the U.S. on home soil in the tournament.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.USMNT break World Cup record as they obliterate Paraguay at SoFi Stadium
The United States Men's National Team (USMNT) made history at SoFi Stadium by scoring four goals in a World Cup match for the first time, defeating Paraguay 4-1 in their Group D opener. The breakthrough came early via an own goal from Paraguay's Damián Bobadilla. Folarin Balogun then scored twice in the first half to give the US a 3-0 lead. Paraguay pulled one back through Maurício in the second half, but Gio Reyna sealed the record-breaking win with a stoppage-time goal. The victory puts the US in early control of Group D, with their next match against Australia on June 19. Christian Pulisic was substituted as a precaution after a kick to the calf. Paraguay now faces Türkiye next with no points and a minus-three goal difference.
Yardbarker: SoccerFIFA World Cup: Balogun's brace helps U.S. open home match with 4-1 victory over Paraguay
The United States opened its first home FIFA World Cup in 32 years with a historic 4-1 victory over Paraguay in Group D at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Folarin Balogun scored twice in the first half, including a goal in first-half injury time, becoming the first U.S. player with a multi-goal World Cup performance since 1930. Christian Pulisic created the first two goals with exceptional runs, leading to an early own-goal by Paraguay. Gio Reyna added a fourth goal in second-half injury time, marking the first time the U.S. scored four goals in a World Cup match. The Americans built a 3-0 halftime lead, their largest in any World Cup game. Paraguay's Maurício scored in the second half. The match drew a crowd of 70,492, including numerous celebrities. The victory was the U.S.'s biggest ever in the tournament.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.U.S. Dominates Paraguay 4-1 in World Cup Opener
The United States Men's National Team (USMNT) opened their FIFA World Cup campaign with a commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay. The U.S. offense struck early, taking a 1-0 lead in the 7th minute after a Paraguayan own goal. Forward Folarin Balogun scored twice, netting goals in the 31st and 44th minutes to give the U.S. a 3-0 halftime lead. Paraguay pulled one back in the second half through a goal by Mauricio. However, the U.S. sealed the dominant win in stoppage time (90+7') when Giovanni Reyna scored off an assist from Tim Weah. The U.S. outshot Paraguay 8-2 in the first half. The U.S. will next face Australia, while Paraguay will play Turkey.
Yardbarker: SoccerUnited States defeat Paraguay 4-1 in World Cup opener; Balogun scores twice
The United States men's national team opened their World Cup campaign with a dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Monaco striker Folarin Balogun scored a brace in his World Cup debut, netting in the 31st and 45+5 minutes to give the US a 3-0 halftime lead. An own goal by Damian Bobadilla in the 7th minute had already put the Americans ahead. Paraguay pulled one back through a second-half substitute Mauricio in the 73rd minute, but Giovanni Reyna sealed the win with a late strike in stoppage time (90+8). The US dominated possession (65%) and outshot Paraguay 16-9. The victory puts the United States top of Group D ahead of matches against Australia and Turkey.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuBalogun Scores Brace in First World Cup Start, First Since Klose in 2002
In a 2026 World Cup group stage match between the United States and Paraguay, American striker Folarin Balogun scored two goals within the first 31 minutes of his first World Cup start. According to statistics, Balogun became the seventh player in World Cup history to achieve this feat, and the first since Miroslav Klose did so for Germany against Saudi Arabia in 2002 (scoring in the 20th and 25th minutes). Previous players to accomplish this include Stábile, Langara, Schiavio, Fontaine, and Bajević. The match was reported by Hupu Soccer, citing source X.
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