Folarin Balogun is the main offensive force for the United States at the World Cup, scoring 3 goals in 3 appearances to power the team into the knockout phase.
Despite scoring important goals for the United States, the striker was shown a straight red card in the 64th minute during the Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Although a dismissal normally results in an automatic one-match suspension, FIFA later suspended the ban for one year. The decision means Balogun is available to partner Christian Pulisic in the United States' Round of 16 game against Belgium.
Representing the USMNT today, Balogun has strong Nigerian roots through both of his parents and used to play for England.
Who Are Folarin Balogun's Parents?
Folarin Balogun was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Florence Balogun and Ben Balogun, who are both from Nigeria. In 2001, airline officials in New York refused to let his pregnant mother board her return flight to London because she was seven months along. Stranded in Brooklyn, she stayed with relatives and gave birth to him, which automatically granted Folarin U.S. citizenship.
A few weeks after Balogun was born, the family returned to London, where he spent most of his childhood and began his football journey. Growing up in England while being born in the United States meant he was eligible to represent the United States, England, or Nigeria internationally.
Balogun eventually chose to play for the United States, the country of his birth. His decision has paid off, with the striker becoming one of the USMNT's most important players and a leading figure during the 2026 World Cup.
