Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

Folarin Balogun USA attention has surged at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the striker scored twice in the co-hosts’ opening win over Paraguay before Friday’s Group D match against Australia in Seattle.

Balogun was born in Brooklyn on July 3, 2001, after his Nigerian parents were unable to fly home to London because his mother was heavily pregnant. That birth gave him United States citizenship and later the chance to play for the United States men's national team, rather than England or Nigeria.

For more World Cup host-nation coverage, read Canada vs Qatar: Jonathan David Hat Trick Seals Historic World Cup Rout, while official tournament details are available through the FIFA World Cup 2026 page.

Balogun Gives United States Cutting Edge

Balogun’s two goals against Paraguay made him the clear attacking spark for the United States, who now face Australia with a chance to strengthen their push toward the knockout stage.

Christian Pulisic praised the Monaco forward after the opening win, saying the team were "really lucky" to have him.

"The kid's insane," he said. "He's lethal right now in front of goal. Let's just hope it keeps going like this."

Former United States men's national team player Kenny Cooper also backed Balogun’s role in the squad.

"He's obviously a really special talent and he showed that with two exceptional goals," Cooper told the BBC. "He has been so impressive.

"I think there's just so much confidence that I'm sure the players have in him playing with them, and us, his fans, have in him."

England Path Turned Into United States Call

Balogun came through Arsenal’s academy and played for both the United States and England at under-18 level.

He was also part of Lee Carsley’s England Under-21 plans, scoring seven goals in 13 games before his senior path shifted. A strong loan spell at Reims from Arsenal helped lead to a £35m move to Monaco and drew fresh attention from United States Soccer officials.

"When I committed, and throughout the whole cycle, and the whole journey to me being at this point, I've always said the fans gave me so much motivation and showed me so much support," Balogun said on Friday.

"For me, the most important thing has always been to be able to repay that. I just want to continue to show the fans I made the right decision."