REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian
USMNT striker Folarin Balogun is hopeful about the future of soccer in this country
United States men’s national team striker Folarin Balogun, who was one of the breakout players of the tournament with three goals in five games for the USMNT, has shared an inspiring message about the future of soccer in this country after the US lost to Belgium in the Round of 16.
After the United States’ 4-1 loss to Belgium in the Round of 16, Folarin Balogun — who became the central figure in one of the most controversial rulings in World Cup history after FIFA suspended his one-game red card ban — took to social media to address USMNT fans directly.
USMNT striker Folarin Balogun addresses World Cup exit and shares hopeful message about the future of soccer in the United States
“My debut World Cup… it hurts to wait 4 years to compete at the highest level our sport has to offer. I want to say sorry to our fans it was not good enough when it mattered most and we let you down,” Balogun wrote.
“Soccer in America will only become bigger the belief, the talent, and the passion is continually growing and I know the best days are in front of us, the future belongs to those who never stop believing, this moment will fuel us. We will be back,” he continued before signing off: “Why not us? For the nation. For the flag.”
Balogun not only was the USMNT’s best player on the pitch during the 2026 World Cup — with reports indicating Premier League clubs are now eyeing a move for him — but he also displayed tons of class with how he handled the controversy that swirled around him as a result of FIFA’s ruling and the political forces at play in the decision.
After the final whistle on Monday, for example, he sought out Belgium manager Rudi Garcia to speak with him directly — a gesture the 62-year-old French coach said he “really liked.”
“It is not his fault; he is not the one to blame — that’s what I told him. I really appreciate the intention that he came to see me. I appreciate this player,” Garcia told reporters after the match.
Balogun, 25 years old, is coming off a club season with AS Monaco in which he scored 19 goals in all competitions. Since transferring to Monaco from Arsenal in 2023, he has scored 24 league goals and 13 Champions League goals, and has made 72 official appearances for the club.
Transfer rumors indicate that clubs such as Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, and back-to-back Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain are interested in acquiring Balogun this summer.