By Kunle Solaja, Vancouver, Canada.

Folarin Balogun, the striker of Nigerian parentage, stole the spotlight on Friday night as his brace inspired the United States to a convincing 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their opening Group D match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The American forward emerged as the difference-maker for the tournament co-hosts, scoring twice in a dominant display that immediately established the United States as one of the teams to watch in the competition.

With the home crowd in full voice, the United States took control of the contest early, but it was Balogun’s clinical finishing that effectively settled the encounter. The striker, whose parents are Nigerian, struck his first goal after being expertly set up by Christian Pulisic, calmly beating the Paraguayan goalkeeper to double the Americans’ advantage.

Balogun was not done. Before the interval, he produced another moment of quality, carving out space for himself before finding the net to complete his brace and hand the United States a commanding 3-0 lead heading into half-time.

The two goals underlined why the former England youth international, who switched allegiance to the United States, is regarded as one of the country’s most important attacking weapons. His movement, pace and composure in front of goal constantly troubled the Paraguayan defence.

Paraguay attempted to mount a response after the break and managed to pull one goal back, but any hopes of a comeback were extinguished when Gio Reyna added a fourth goal to seal an emphatic American victory.

For Nigerian football followers, Balogun’s performance will inevitably attract attention. Born in New York to Nigerian parents and raised in England, the striker was once eligible to represent Nigeria before committing his international future to the United States. His exploits on the biggest stage of world football will therefore be followed closely by many fans back home.

The victory gives the United States a flying start in Group D and strengthens their hopes of progressing deep into a tournament being jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

While Christian Pulisic orchestrated much of the attacking play, the night belonged to Balogun, whose two goals provided the foundation for America’s biggest statement yet at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The brace also placed the Nigerian-rooted striker among the early contenders for the tournament’s Golden Boot race, while demonstrating the growing influence of players with African heritage on the global football stage.

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England’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have suffered an unexpected setback after training equipment destined for the team’s base in Kansas City was reportedly stolen during transit, local police have confirmed.

The incident occurred as equipment was being transported from England’s pre-tournament training camp in Florida to Swope Soccer Village in Kansas City, where the Three Lions are scheduled to begin their final preparations following their arrival on June 13.

According to local authorities, a vehicle carrying the equipment was broken into before reaching its destination.

“We are investigating a possible theft of equipment from a team vehicle that arrived in Kansas City with items missing this evening,” police said in a statement.

“The investigation is ongoing. Two subjects of interest were taken into custody pending further investigation.”

British media reports indicated that footballs and boots were among the items stolen from the vehicle, although the full extent of the missing equipment has yet to be disclosed.

The incident comes at a critical time for England, who are preparing for their opening Group L fixture against Croatia in Dallas on June 17. While team officials have not commented on whether the theft will significantly disrupt preparations, the loss of training equipment could create logistical challenges ahead of the crucial encounter.

England are among the favourites for the expanded 48-team World Cup and will be hoping to avoid any distractions as they begin their quest for a first world title since 1966.

Security concerns have occasionally surfaced around major sporting events, but it is unusual for a national team competing at a FIFA World Cup to lose equipment in transit. The swift action by law enforcement, including the detention of two persons of interest, has raised hopes that some or all of the missing items may be recovered.

The English squad is expected to proceed with its training programme in Kansas City while police continue their investigation into the incident.

With the countdown to their clash against Croatia now entering its final days, England will be eager to put the off-field disruption behind them and focus on their World Cup campaign.

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Substitute Cyle Larin scored a crucial late equaliser as Canada fought back to secure a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in their opening Group B match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday, earning the co-hosts their first-ever point in World Cup history.

Playing before a passionate home crowd at Toronto Stadium, Canada appeared destined for another World Cup defeat after Bosnia took a first-half lead through Jovo Lukic. However, Larin emerged as the hero when he came off the bench and struck in the 78th minute to level the scores and ignite celebrations among the Canadian supporters.

The goal was historic, becoming the first World Cup goal scored by Canada on home soil.

“It was special for me. I was ready to come and help the team,” Larin said after the match. “I thought the goals would come. I score when Canada needs me, and always have done.”

Bosnia and Herzegovina stunned the hosts in the 21st minute when Lukic converted from close range after a flick-on from a corner kick, registering his first international goal and giving the Dragons a valuable lead.

Canada responded positively and gradually took control of the contest, creating several opportunities but lacking the finishing touch. Jonathan David, Canada’s all-time leading scorer, squandered an early chance when he fired straight at Bosnia goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj.

The Canadians intensified their pressure after the break and came agonisingly close to equalising in the 53rd minute. Richie Laryea broke through on goal and appeared certain to score, only for defender Sead Kolasinac to produce a remarkable goal-line intervention, diverting the ball onto the crossbar and away from danger.

Bosnia nearly doubled their advantage shortly afterwards when Ermedin Demirovic raced clear, but Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau, making his World Cup debut after missing the 2022 tournament due to a broken leg, produced an important save to keep his team in the game.

As the match wore on, Bosnia’s defence came under increasing pressure from the relentless Canadian attacks. Sensing the visitors were beginning to tire, Canada coach Jesse Marsch turned to his bench, introducing Larin in the 76th minute.

The move paid immediate dividends.

Less than three minutes after entering the match, Larin received the ball inside the penalty area, turned sharply and fired a shot that took a slight deflection before finding the net to make it 1-1.

“The subs came on and made a big difference. The tempo got higher, and we could see that they were fading,” Marsch said. “So, I told them that we’ve got them now. It’s time to put your foot on the jugular and go for the goal.”

The equaliser sparked wild celebrations among the sea of red-clad fans whose chants of “Ca-na-da” echoed around the stadium throughout the evening.

Although Canada were unable to find a winner, the result marked a significant milestone for the nation. Having lost all six of their previous World Cup matches across the 1986 and 2022 tournaments, the draw delivered Canada’s first point at football’s biggest stage.

For Bosnia and Herzegovina, the result will feel like a missed opportunity after leading for much of the encounter, while Canada will take confidence from a spirited comeback as they continue their campaign on home soil.

 

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