World Cup Highlights: Ex-Arsenal star Balogun nets two as USMNT off to a flier, Canada fight back

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Robin Bairner | Chief Editor

Accredited football journalist and editor covering the game since 2006

Day two of the 2026 FIFA World Cup saw co-hosts USA and Canada both begin their campaigns in undefeated style, but it was Mauricio Pochettino’s side who really impressed as they swept aside Paraguay.

Canada 1-1 Bosnia

Canada picked up a deserved point against Bosnia but were forced to come from behind to do so.

The visitors’ threat from set pieces told midway through the first half as Jovo Lukic headed home from a corner. It was a goal that went against the general run of play, which saw the Maple Leafs press but struggle to show any kind of composure with their final action.

Jesse Marsch’s changes in the second half each added vigour to the hosts’ play and with time running out Cyle Larin scored a fine equaliser after intricate play on the edge of the Bosnia box. It was just reward for their display.

USA 4-1 Paraguay

An early own goal gave the USMNT the lead, but the work of Christian Pulisic in the build-up was impressive as he carved a hole in the South American’s defence thanks to a positive dribble.

Pulisic, who went off at half-time, was also to the fore as Balogun made it 2-0 shortly after half an hour had been played. And the former Arsenal striker, who had earlier had a goal disallowed for offside, grabbed a third with a superb finish shortly before the break.

The momentum of the US was stemmed by half-time, and deep into the second half substitute Mauricio got one back for Paraguay.

The US’ easy win, though, was sealed when Gio Reyna scored brilliantly having come off the bench just a few minutes earlier.