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Balogun's Brace Fuels U.S. 4-1 Victory

6/19/2026

Summary

Balogun Leads

The U.S. Men's National Team beat Paraguay 4–1 on June 12, 2026.
Folarin Balogun’s two goals, the first U.S. World Cup multi-goal game since 1930, and Christian Pulisic’s assist, which gave him a record three assists, moved United States to the top of Group D on goal differential with three points.
Coach Mauricio Pochettino may sit out Christian Pulisic because of calf injury, projecting a lineup of Matt Freese, Folarin Balogun, Malik Tillman and Timothy Weah.

Summary

USA-Paraguay Draws

The USA-Paraguay opener attracted 25 million viewers on Fox and Telemundo, doubling the tournament’s 2022 Fox audience.
FIFA’s schedule minimized travel but placed the U.S.–Turkey match at 10 p.m. ET, inconvenient for fans.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill said MetLife Stadium matches let the state attract the global business community.
Texas venues such as Simpson Plaza, Texas Live! and Sundance Square host free World Cup watch parties.

History

Historical Context

FIFA’s July 4 1988 decision to give the United States the 1994 World Cup sparked record attendance of 3,587,538 fans, introduced indoor matches and TV formats that spurred Major League Soccer’s 1993 launch. The 2026 Group D clash between the United States and Paraguay, broadcast by Fox and Telemundo, revives that growth-driving legacy for American soccer.

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Balogun Leads

The U.S. Men's National Team beat Paraguay 4–1 on June 12, 2026.
Folarin Balogun’s two goals, the first U.S. World Cup multi-goal game since 1930, and Christian Pulisic’s assist, which gave him a record three assists, moved United States to the top of Group D on goal differential with three points.
Coach Mauricio Pochettino may sit out Christian Pulisic because of calf injury, projecting a lineup of Matt Freese, Folarin Balogun, Malik Tillman and Timothy Weah.

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