Reuters/Kevin Ng
Amid all the controversy surrounding the circumstances, United States men’s national team striker Folarin Balogun was named in the starting lineup against Belgium in the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup. Balogun’s journey to becoming one of the World Cup’s biggest stories was a long one.
Folarin Balogun, the 25-year-old Brooklyn-born striker who currently plays for AS Monaco in France’s Ligue 1, was only born in the United States because an airline employee refused to let his pregnant mother board a flight home to London, believing she was too far along in her pregnancy.
How does Folarin Balogun have eligibility to play for the USMNT?
Balogun’s parents, Florence and Ben Balogun, were visiting New York City while his mother was seven months pregnant with him. His mother gave birth to Folarin in New York in July 2001 before they and his father returned to England a few months later.
The breakout USMNT star then grew up in London and came up through the Arsenal academy. He made his professional debut for Arsenal in 2020 before moving to Monaco in 2023, where he’s since scored 24 goals in 72 appearances.
Given his upbringing, Balogun was eligible for three national teams — the United States by birth, England through his upbringing and youth international appearances, and Nigeria through his parents’ heritage.
What led to Folarin Balogun choosing the United States as his national team
The recruitment around the forward was hotly contested. The New York Yankees invited him to spring training and the Orlando Magic gave him courtside seats. Key American players such as Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Tim Ream took him to dinner. US soccer fans blew up his Instagram comments.
He ultimately chose the United States and made his debut for the national team in 2023.
“My decision to represent the United States came together with my family. In the end it became a no-brainer, but for sure it’s just something I wanted to do and it feels like I’m at home here,” Balogun said when announcing his decision.
“To represent the United States means a lot, more than people would know. I’m very proud and honoured to have this opportunity, and I want to give everything I have to make our team successful.”
What comes next for Folarin Balogun after the World Cup?
Balogun is coming off a 2025/26 season with Monaco in which he scored 18 goals across Ligue 1 and Champions League play.
According to The Athletic, Balogun’s performance in recent seasons, culminating in his 2026 World Cup showing, has reports indicating that he’s in line for a transfer away from AS Monaco this summer, with teams in the Premier League purportedly interested in making a move for him. Monaco will reportedly be asking for around $55 million to sign Balogun.