EXPLAINED: 22 | Vintage Vibes

England’s loss is USA’s gain as Pochettino finds a spearhead in Folarin Balogun

Against Paraguay, the Monaco striker provided the ruthless finishing the USMNT have often missed in recent years

The Guardian - US · Jun 14

What If Emerging Star Folarin Balogun Couldn’t Play for the USMNT?

U.S. President Donald Trump is eager to do away with birthright citizenship.

Sports Illustrated · Jun 13

Folarin Balogun, who could have played for England or Nigeria, scores 2 for US in FIFA World Cup debut

Folarin Balogun made a stunning World Cup debut for the United States. He scored two goals in their opening 4-1 win against Paraguay. The striker's performance thrilled the sold-out crowd at SoFi Stadium. Balogun's decision to represent the US has paid off handsomely. He became the first American to score…

The Economic Times · Jun 13

The USMNT's band of brothers start as they mean to go on with dazzling win over Paraguay in World Cup opener

The USMNT opened their World Cup 2026 account with a very impressive 4-1 win over Paraguay

FourFourTwo · Jun 13

In a USA win for the history books, what stood out most was the ‘fun’ and free nature of it

The United States are no longer a workmanlike outfit built on grit and grind – and Mauricio Pochettino says they are ‘winning a lot of fans’

The Guardian - US · Jun 13

World Cup 2026 Golden Boot: Messi, Mbappe, Haaland and Kane in thrilling race to finish top scorer

Mbappe is back ahead of Messi in the standings after Haaland and Kane thrust themselves back into the conversation

The Independent UK · Jun 13

USMNT Opens World Cup 2026 With 4-1 Win Over Paraguay: Odds and Group Reaction

USA defeated Paraguay 4-1 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Matchday 1 of Group D, with goals from a Damian Bobadilla own goal, a Folarin Balogun brace, and a Gio Reyna strike sealing the result. The win moves the United States to the top of Group D on three points…

Sports Lens · Jun 13

US rout Paraguay to open World Cup campaign

The United States opened their World Cup campaign with a 4-1 thrashing of Paraguay on Friday, ​while co-hosts Canada salvaged a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina to secure their first-ever point in the tournament after winless campaigns in 1986 and 2022.

Bangkok Post · Jun 13

World Cup 2026 results: USA launch World Cup campaign as Canada draw

The United States commenced their home World Cup campaign with a commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay. Monaco forward Folarin Balogun netted two first-half goals for the US, complemented by an own goal from Paraguay's Damian Bobadilla. The match was attended by several Los Angeles celebrities, including former England captain David…

The Independent UK · Jun 13

Los Angeles conjures up irresistible spectacle as USA sparkle in opening act

Every World Cup needs its hosts to start well, more so this one, and Mauricio Pochettino’s team delivered on a fun day on the Pacific coast

The Guardian - AU · Jun 13