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Who is Folarin Balogun? Meet Brooklyn-born striker that scored USMNT's first goal at 2026 World Cup

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Who is Folarin Balogun? Meet Brooklyn-born striker that scored USMNT's first goal at 2026 World Cup originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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After years of waiting, the United States men's national team has finally found a renowned No. 9. Now, he's slated to make a splash on the world's stage.

As far as USMNT players go, few are as important as Folarin Balogun. The lanky striker has found success in Europe, emerging as one of the continent's better young strikers. His goal-scoring prowess drew the attention of Mauricio Pochettino's side, which has built its attack around him. His showing at the 2026 World Cup suggest that was an inspired move.

With that, here's what you need to know about Balogun, one of the U.S.'s finest attacking exports.

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Who is Folarin Balogun?

Balogun is the USMNT's striker. The lithe goal-scorer is one of the side's most decorated talents, hitting the 20-goal mark in a top-five league — a impressive feat for a United States international.

Balogun came to life in the Americans' matchup with Paraguay, tallying two goals in the first half. With his brace, he became the first USMNT player to score multiple goals in a World Cup match since 1930.

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Where is Folarin Balogun from?

Balogun hails from Brooklyn. Born to Nigerian parents, Balogun moved to London at less than one year old. He emerged as one of England's better striking talents across his youth career. He turned out for the Three Lions' at the U-17, U-8, U-20 and U-21 levels, tallying 10 goals in 27 appearances.

Despite his Nigerian heritage and England roots, Balogun opted to take his place in the U.S.'s ranks. Fans from the United States thank him everyday for his decision.

Why did Folarin Balogun choose to play for the United States?

In May 2023, Balogun announced his intention to play for the USMNT, spurning England and Nigeria to don the Stars and Stripes. He explained that the decision came from "his heart."

Balogun, then an Arsenal loanee who shined at Ligue 1 side Reims, immediately surged to the top of the U.S.'s striker ranks, surpassing the likes of Haji Wright and Josh Sargent. Then-England manager Gareth Southgate was unable to guarantee minutes for the then-21-year-old, with Harry Kane, Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins proving difficult to displace.

All told, Balogun's route to a starting spot on a national team — and a slot on a World Cup roster — proved an easier proposition in U.S. colors than for the Three Lions. Based on his showing in the U.S.'s World Cup opener against Paraguay, he made the right choice.

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Who does Folarin Balogun play club soccer for?

Balogun plays for AS Monaco in Ligue 1. An Arsenal academy product, Monaco snapped him up after his breakthrough 2023 season with Reims. Balogun, then on loan from Arsenal, tallied 21 goals in 37 appearances during his maiden season in France, the fourth-highest mark in the league. Monaco struck a deal with Arsenal in the summer, shelling out a reported €30 million to secure his services. He has 31 goals to date in Monaco colors.

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