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Balogun Shines with Two Goals in World Cup Opener
13 Jun
Summary
- Folarin Balogun scored two goals in the first half.
- He achieved his 10th and 11th career goals for USMNT.
- The USMNT is ranked No. 16 in FIFA World Rankings.
Folarin Balogun delivered a commanding performance in his World Cup debut on June 12, scoring two goals against Paraguay in the opening match. He found the back of the net twice in the first half, propelling the U.S. Men's National Team to a decisive 3-0 lead by halftime. These goals represented Balogun's 10th and 11th career scores for the national team.
The U.S. team is participating in Group D of the tournament, entering with a FIFA World Ranking of No. 16. Their World Cup schedule includes matches against Australia on June 19 and Türkiye on June 25. This marks the U.S. team's 12th appearance in the World Cup, with their best historical performance being third place in 1930.
The squad features a mix of experienced and new talent, with five players making their tournament debuts alongside Balogun. The team earned its berth in the 2026 World Cup as a host nation. Their base camp for the tournament is located at Great Park in Irvine, CA.
