Balogun Scores Twice on World Cup Debut, Celebrates Quietly with Streaming

2026 FIFA World Cup Key News

Central News Agency, Los Angeles, December 12 — International news reports

U.S. forward Folarin Balogun scored two goals on his World Cup debut, helping the host nation defeat Paraguay 4-1. After the match, he said he had no plans for a wild celebration and would likely just relax at his hotel watching Netflix.

According to AFP, Balogun scored both of his goals in the first half, including a beautifully curved shot that found the top-left corner of Paraguay's net, helping the U.S. open their tournament campaign with a strong victory.

After the game, Balogun told reporters, "It's really a dream, you know? It's a dream — a beautiful night."

"I can't fully process everything right now… I think once I return to the hotel and rest, I'll truly be able to reflect and appreciate just how special this night was."

When asked how he planned to celebrate, he replied, "Honestly, I think I'll probably… just watch some Netflix."

Born in New York, Balogun moved to the UK at just one month old and grew up in London. He has family on both sides of the Atlantic, and many relatives attended the match.

"There were so many people, you know!" he joked, adding that he felt a heavy responsibility to secure countless tickets for relatives on both sides. "But I was happy to do it because this is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion."

Balogun came through Arsenal's youth academy and represented both England and the U.S. at various youth levels. He later went on loan to Reims, where his professional career took off.

Last year, Balogun transferred to Monaco for a reported €40 million (approximately NT$1.4 billion), becoming the team's top scorer with 19 goals.

His standout first season in France's Ligue 1 drew attention from the U.S. national team, which was in need of a world-class forward. Scouts aggressively pursued him, offering star treatment including trips to Florida and front-row NBA tickets.

American soccer fans closely followed Balogun's every move until he officially switched allegiance to the U.S. in 2023.

"From the moment I made my decision, and throughout this entire journey, I've always said that the fans gave me great motivation and tremendous support," Balogun said today.

"For me, the most important thing has always been to repay that support, so I felt today was a great opportunity… I just want to keep proving to the fans that I made the right choice."

Teammate Christian Pulisic said the U.S. team is "really lucky to have him. This kid is incredible. He's become a deadly weapon in front of goal… I hope he can keep this form going."

(Compiled by: Hsu Hsiang-ping) 1150613

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