Balogun's Historic Double
Folarin Balogun's Switch to USMNT Proves Golden with Two World Cup Goals
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Folarin Balogun scored two goals in the United States' 4-1 demolition of Paraguay on June 12, giving the USMNT one of its best World Cup performances ever. The Brooklyn-born striker, who chose to represent the U.S. over England in 2023, called it a "dreamy night," saying, "I visualized my debut in the World Cup scoring, but the reality did surpass that," Washington Post reported.
The win at a sold-out SoFi Stadium — 70,492 fans — put the U.S. atop Group D. Balogun also made history, becoming the first American to score multiple goals in a World Cup match since Bert Patenaude's hat trick against Paraguay in 1930, according to FOX Sports.
Brooklyn Birth, English Upbringing, American Choice
Balogun's path to this moment is unusual. He was born in Brooklyn on July 3, 2001 — a "happy accident," as The Guardian put it, after his mother was denied boarding on a flight back to London due to her advanced pregnancy. His family moved to England months later. He grew up there and joined Arsenal's academy at age eight.
He represented England at the U17, U18, U20, and U21 levels. But in March 2023, he withdrew from an England U21 camp and was spotted in Orlando during a USMNT training session. On May 16, 2023, FIFA approved his one-time switch — a rule that lets players change nations if they haven't played a competitive senior match for their original country — from England to the United States, according to AP News.
Pulisic, Pochettino, and a Historic First Half
Captain Christian Pulisic set up two of the four goals. He didn't hold back in praising his new strike partner. "The kid's insane. He's lethal right now. We're really lucky to have him," Pulisic said, per News4JAX. Analyst Alexi Lalas called the first half the "greatest half" a U.S. team has ever played in a World Cup, FOX Sports reported.
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino also made his World Cup debut as U.S. manager. Balogun credited him with building a competitive environment, saying Pochettino created an "atmosphere where nobody feels like their place is guaranteed." In 72 minutes on the pitch, Balogun registered 33 touches, 5 shots, and a 9.1 Sofascore rating, according to NBC Washington.
England's Loss, America's Gain
English media framed Balogun's switch as a "business decision." With Harry Kane and Ollie Watkins ahead of him in the England pecking order, he would have faced a steep climb for playing time, The Independent noted. Some English fans called him "American by accident." Former England captain David Beckham watched the game from the stands — a symbolic reminder of what his country lost, Washington Post reported.
Nigeria also missed out. Balogun was eligible through his parents' heritage, but Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2026 tournament altogether, according to NBC Philadelphia. Defender Tim Ream summed up what Balogun means to this team: the USMNT had been "crying out for a long time" for a striker with his movement and clinical finishing, The Guardian reported.
What Comes Next for Balogun and the USMNT
The U.S. faces Australia on June 19 and Turkey on June 25 to close out Group D play, per FIFA. The 4-1 result ties the largest winning margin in U.S. World Cup history, matching 3-0 wins over Belgium and Paraguay back in 1930, according to NBC Los Angeles.
Off the field, "Balogun #20" jersey sales are already surging, per NBC Miami. Currently valued at €40 million after his 2023 move from Arsenal to AS Monaco, analysts say a standout World Cup could push that figure significantly higher and attract interest from top Premier League or La Liga clubs after the tournament.
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