Revealed: Why Folarin Balogun plays for USA at World Cup
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Balogun developed through Arsenal’s youth system before loan spells at Middlesbrough and Stade Reims. He later moved permanently to Monaco.
Folarin Balogun made a dream start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup after scoring twice as the United States defeated Paraguay 4-1 in their opening Group D match.
The former Arsenal striker was one of the standout performers as the co-hosts began their campaign in style in Los Angeles.
Balogun, who was born in the United States but grew up in England, was eligible to represent the USA, England and Nigeria.
However, the reason he qualifies to play for the United States goes back to the circumstances surrounding his birth.
His mother, Florence, had travelled to Brooklyn, New York, to visit her sister-in-law while she was seven months pregnant.
She was later stopped from boarding a flight back to London because of her pregnancy and was told she needed a doctor’s note before she could travel.
The note did not arrive in time, forcing her to remain in New York, where Balogun was born on July 3, 2001.
His parents, Florence and Ben, later returned to London with him before August.
Balogun developed through Arsenal’s youth system before loan spells at Middlesbrough and Stade Reims. He later moved permanently to Monaco.
The striker also qualified for Nigeria through his parents, while England remained an option because he was raised there.
But he eventually chose the United States after senior players, including Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Tim Weah, reportedly travelled to Monaco to convince him to join the USMNT project.
He has since become an important figure for the American team.
Against Paraguay, the USA went ahead in the seventh minute through an own goal by Damian Bobadilla.
Folarin Balogun then struck twice before half-time to put the hosts in full control.
Paraguay pulled one back through Mauricio, but Giovanni Reyna sealed the win for the United States with a stoppage-time goal.
The victory gave the hosts a perfect start to their World Cup campaign.
The USA will face Australia next Friday before taking on Turkey in their final Group D match.
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