First Published: Jun 13 2026 | 5:06 AM IST

First Published: Jun 13 2026 | 3:16 PM IST

The United States could hardly have asked for a better start to their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. In front of a passionate home crowd, the Americans produced a commanding performance to defeat Paraguay 4-1 and send an early message to the rest of the tournament.

At the centre of the victory was Folarin Balogun, whose two goals highlighted the growing importance of the striker to the national team. While his finishing caught the headlines, the match offered several lessons about the strengths of Mauricio Pochettino’s side and why they could become one of the surprise packages of the competition.

Balogun’s display showed exactly why he is regarded as the focal point of the American attack. The striker constantly troubled Paraguay’s defence with his pace, movement and hunger for goals. Even after seeing an effort ruled out for offside, he remained confident and continued to attack the spaces behind the defence. His reward was a brilliant brace that effectively put the game beyond Paraguay before half-time.

The first lesson from the victory is that this United States team has developed a ruthless edge in front of goal. In previous tournaments, the Americans were often criticised for creating chances without converting them. Against Paraguay, they were clinical. Every mistake by the opposition was punished and the attacking players showed composure whenever opportunities appeared.

Another important lesson was the quality of the team’s movement. The players looked comfortable in possession and constantly rotated positions to create space. Midfielders joined attacks, full-backs pushed forward at the right moments and the front players combined effectively. The understanding between the players was clear to see and made life extremely difficult for Paraguay.

Christian Pulisic once again demonstrated why he remains one of the team’s most influential players. Although he did not score, his creativity was vital. He was involved in the build-up to key goals and repeatedly found ways to unlock the Paraguayan defence. His partnership with Balogun could become one of the most important attacking combinations of the tournament.

The midfield also deserves significant praise. Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams and Malik Tillman controlled large parts of the match, winning battles in central areas and ensuring that the Americans remained on the front foot. Their energy allowed the team to press aggressively while still maintaining discipline when defending.

Perhaps the biggest lesson from the victory was the team’s maturity. Rather than becoming careless after building a comfortable lead, the United States continued to manage the game intelligently. The players remained organised, protected possession and limited Paraguay’s opportunities. That balance between attack and control is often what separates good teams from genuine contenders.

Defensively, the Americans looked solid for most of the evening. The return of key defenders brought stability to the back line and allowed the team to build attacks from deep with confidence. While Paraguay managed a late consolation goal, they rarely threatened throughout the contest.

Balogun’s performance will understandably attract most of the attention, but the result was about much more than one player. It was a display of teamwork, tactical discipline and attacking quality. The United States looked like a side that believes it belongs among the strongest teams in the competition.

There are still tougher tests ahead, and one impressive victory does not guarantee a deep World Cup run. However, if the Americans can maintain the intensity, cohesion and confidence they showed against Paraguay, they will be a difficult opponent for anyone.

For now, Balogun’s goals and the team’s dominant display have given supporters every reason to dream. The road ahead remains long, but the United States have taken their first step in convincing fashion.

FIFA on Friday blamed the empty seats during the World Cup match between South Korea and the Czech Republic in Guadalajara on fans who watched from the concourses.

There were many visible empty spots at the 45,664-capacity Guadalajara Stadium, with sections in the middle of the stands showing many unoccupied spaces and with other empty seats scattered around the venue. The announced attendance was 44,985 – including FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

“Official attendance figures reflect the number of tickets scanned and spectators present within the stadium footprint, rather than visual assessments of seating occupancy at any given moment during the match,” FIFA said, adding that it works closely with stadium authorities and ticketing teams to ensure all published figures are based on verified operational data.

“Please note that, during last night’s match in Guadalajara, several ticketed fans could be seen standing in concourses rather than staying in their assigned seats throughout the match,” the governing body of world soccer said.

There was indeed a significant number of fans standing on the concourses and by the concession stands throughout Thursday’s match.

There were some empty seats in Toronto also  On Friday, the stadium in Toronto was close to full for Canada’s first World Cup match on home soil, but there were some empty spots, notably close to the field in the lower bowl, and in a high corner of temporary seating.

Toronto Stadium, with an official capacity of 43,036, is the smallest venue in the tournament and had to have the extra seats added to meet FIFA’s minimum standards. The announced attendance on Friday was 43,002.

It’s a busy sports weekend in Toronto, with the Blue Jays hosting the New York Yankees and the Canadian Open golf tournament about an hour away.

FIFA charged record high ticket prices for this year’s World Cup  FIFA has been charging record ticket prices at the 11 stadiums in the United States, three in Mexico and two in Canada. The soccer body was using dynamic pricing and has repeatedly raised the prices since tickets first went on sale last fall.

Infantino defended those prices Wednesday as fitting in the North American market, but they have been criticized for list prices that have reached five figures.

Before the tournament started on Thursday, 29 games were sold out (with wheelchair seats available for some of those) and 75 had tickets remaining.

Wales pairing Jonny Clayton and Nick Kenny continued their impressive start to the World Cup of Darts with a resounding victory over Group C opponents Thailand in Frankfurt, Germany.

Having had to go through group qualifying after Gerwyn Price withdrew, the new Wales pairing opened their campaign by thumping Lithuania 4-1, and then followed that up on Friday by beating Thailand by the same score.

The Welsh duo topped their group to book a Saturday afternoon tie at the Eissporthalle against USA.

Hosts Germany again impressed with a 4-2 win over New Zealand as Martin Schindler and Ricardo Pietreczko secured their place in the second round where they will play the Czech Republic.

Republic of Ireland’s William O’Connor and Mickey Mansell clinched top spot in Group D by beating Gibraltar’s Craig Galliano and Justin Hewitt 4-2, earning a tie against Poland.

The top ranked nations – including England, Netherlands, Northern Ireland and Scotland – enter the tournament in the second round.

England pair Luke Littler and Luke Humphries – the top seeds – face Spain, while defending champions Northern Ireland’s Josh Rock and Daryl Gurney begin their title defence against Belgium.

Scotland duo Gary Anderson and Cameron Menzies face Norway, while Netherlands pairing Michael van Gerwen and Gian van Veen take on Sweden.

France against Latvia completes the round two fixtures.

He’s only 28 years old, but former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Trishton Jackson has turned his sights to coaching, evidenced by his presence at Vikings minicamp this week. The fromer pass-catcher is participating in a coaching program that could serve as a springboard to a full-time role, perhaps with the Vikings down the line.

Ex-Vikings safety Bobby McCain is along for the ride, too.

Jackson’s Coaching Pivot Keeps Him Near Vikings’ Orbit

Jackson, McCain Take Career Next Steps

Vikings.com’s Rob Kleifeld wrote Thursday, “Two years ago, WR Trishton Jackson and DB Bobby McCain were leaders on the Vikings scout teams. They returned to Minnesota this week in a different capacity but ready as ever to make an impact, as they participate in the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship program that runs through training camp.”

“It was easiest to spot both in their new roles Thursday in the IPF, which has a single field compared to multiple outdoors; Jackson helped drill his former position group, and McCain shadowed the secondary. They aren’t the only new visiting coaches, either.”

Jackson is a close friend of Justin Jefferson, so it’s no surprise that he hasn’t strayed far from the Vikings’ orbit.

Kleifeld continued, “O’Connell shared in his opening remarks that along with the two Vikings Legends, the team is adding Isaiah Bishop, P.J. Burkhalter, DeShawn Haney and Johnathan Lloyd as Walsh Diversity Fellows.”

“In regard to Jackson and McCain, O’Connell noted it’s ‘a passion of mine,’ as well as the Wilf family, to help players find their calling once they’re done competing between the lines. He cited offensive assistant and former tight end Ben Ellefson as an example. Ellefson has gained responsibility over the past three seasons, since switching lanes in 2023.”

Jackson’s Time in Minnesota

Jackson’s annual July and August performances generated excitement among Vikings fans. He demonstrated the talent to remain on the roster, delivered strong production, and displayed explosiveness in preseason games that led many to speculate that the Vikings had unearthed a hidden gem.

His 2024 summer tape particularly amplified the narrative. Jackson made plays against the Raiders, Browns, and Eagles, concluding the preseason with nine receptions, 154 yards, and three touchdowns, notably scoring in all three contests — a feat that typically elevates a long-shot wide receiver into serious contention.

However, as the regular season approached, his opportunities largely evaporated.

While Minnesota elevated Jackson from the practice squad twice in 2024, a meaningful role never materialized. He participated in only 10 offensive snaps and two special teams snaps throughout the entire season. Coaches valued him enough to keep him in the organization, but not enough to entrust him with playing time in regular season games.

A similar scenario later unfolded with former Viking Lucky Jackson, who also displayed enough promise to remain a topic of fan discussion but is now a free agent.

From 2021 to 2024, Jackson remained on the fringe of the Vikings’ plans – always close enough to be a factor in August, but never quite able to secure a breakthrough once the regular season began. Now, he’ll try coaching on for size.

Here’s his full player resume:

• Los Angeles Rams (2020)
• Minnesota Vikings (2021–2024)
• Arizona Cardinals (2025)

McCain’s Career

McCain is different than Jackson; he had longevity in the NFL. Over 10 NFL seasons, McCain played in 134 games, starting 87. He accumulated 398 tackles, 45 pass breakups, 11 interceptions, 12 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries. He spent most of his career with Miami and Washington, showcasing versatility by playing slot corner, free safety, and strong safety.

His most productive season was in 2021 with Washington, where he started 16 of 17 games, recording 63 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 9 passes defended.

McCain’s tenure with Minnesota was brief. In 2024, he played only three games for the Vikings, logging 40 defensive snaps and 4 tackles. While PFF assigned him an overall grade of 47.6 and a coverage grade of 46.1, the limited playing time didn’t allow him to blast off in purple.

In summary, McCain was an experienced and versatile defensive back with a history of starting in the NFL. For the Vikings, he served primarily as an emergency option rather than a key contributor. It makes all the sense in the world that he’d turn to coaching. He’s seen some things.

A Sweet Mentor in Keenan McCardell

If Jackson, for example, were to latch onto the Vikings’ staff as a coach, well, he has the blueprint front and center.

Minnesota’s current and longtime wide receiver coach, McCardell, played 16 seasons in the NFL as a wide receiver, then turned to coaching in 2010 and eventually landed in Minnesota, where he’s spent the last six seasons. McCardell has even flirted with offensive coordinator jobs around the league, which will likely accommodate him before too long.

If Jackson needs tips and tricks about coaching staying power, all he has to do is speak to McCardell for advice.

Jackson will turn 29 next March.

Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker

Former Gunner Folarin Balogun starred in the USA’s opening-game World Cup win over Paraguay on Friday night, keeping up his excellent form in 2026 so far.

Photo by Harry How/Getty Images

Former Arsenal academy striker Folarin Balogun made a start in the USA’s first game of the 2026 World Cup on Friday night, with the tournament hosts playing against Paraguay.

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Paraguay got an early warning of the dangers Balogun posed when he had a goal disallowed for offside in the 28th minute, but it wasn’t a warning they heeded.

Three minutes later, Balogun pounced on a low deflected cross for fire home a first-time finish for 2-0, before curling home another finish later in the half for his second goal and 3-0. The USA ended up winning the match 4-1.

Arsenal sold Balogun to AS Monaco for around £35m in August 2023, with approximately £26m guaranteed and the rest in potential add-ons.

The striker had a somewhat underwhelming first campaign, only scoring eight goals in 2023/24, and an injury-hit season in 2024/25 halved that tally to just four goals.

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But after a stop-start beginning to 2025/26, Balogun finally began to find his stride in the second half of the campaign.

Since the start of 2026, Balogun has scored 12 goals and assisted three in 24 matches for Monaco, as well as now scoring three in five games for the USA. At one point, the striker went on an eight-game scoring streak in Ligue 1.

Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

It was generally a disappointing season for Monaco, who only scraped into the Europa Conference League qualifiers with their seventh-place finish, despite being in the Champions League race in April. They were ultimately lucky not to miss out on Europe entirely.

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The team will also be disappointed to have taken a 2-0 first-leg lead in their Champions League tie against PSG, with Balogun scoring both goals, only to go on to lose both the game and the tie.

If Balogun continues to impress at the World Cup, perhaps there might be some interested buyers. Arsenal will be keeping an eye on things, due to their 17.5% sell-on clause in the player’s contract.

Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney, Baby Reindeer creator Richard Gadd and former footballers James McFadden and Darren Fletcher were among the big names to arrive in Boston ahead of Scotland’s first World Cup in 28 years.

A host of celebrities and the Tartan Army have arrived in the Massachusetts capital with celebrations already beginning ahead of the team’s first match.

The team’s Group C opener against Haiti is on Saturday at 9pm local time – 2am BST.

Actor Gerard Butler and singer Clare Grogan were among other famous guests who were greeted by a piper as they arrived at a Scottish Night in Boston Dinner and Gala Event at the Royale in Boston.

Butler, star of the movie 300, wore a kilt and football shirt and gave a thumbs up as he arrived at the event held in aid of Street Soccer Scotland.

Also seen arriving at the gala were Gadd, also sporting a kilt, actors Martin Compston and Tony Curran, ex-rugby player Gregor Townsend and broadcaster Gordon Smart.

Arriving in a tartan-covered car was Mike Mulraney, the president of the Scottish Football Association, and Neil Doncaster, chief executive of the Scottish Premier League.

Bars in the city were flooded with blue, tartan and the Saltire including the Scotland House at the Anchor Bar, where a water fountain was filled with foam as fans began their celebrations. A group of fans at the Scottish pub The Haven unveiled a massive flag with the slogan “The Party’s Back”.

One fan said: “I’m absolutely buzzing for it, it’s been six months of waiting.” Another said: “I’ve been saving up for months and months to be here.”

Charity fundraiser Craig Ferguson was met with cheers as he completed a 3,000-mile kilted charity walk across the United States in aid of Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH).

The 22-year-old managed to complete the hike, which he started in February in Los Angeles, with a day to spare and was met by local pipers at Boston Common on Friday.

There he was also greeted by crowds of supporters, members of the Tartan Army and Scottish expats, some waving Scotland flags as they cheered and chanted “no Scotland, no party”.

Mr Ferguson afterwards said the reception was “everything (he) could have dreamed of”.

Shortly before finishing the walk Mr Ferguson, who is from Paisley, Renfrewshire, also learned the Scottish Government had made a £400,000 donation to his walk – and he has now reached his £1 million fundraising target.