Folarin Balogun
US forward who scored USA's third goal in the 3-2 win over Senegal on 31 May.
Last refreshed: 3 June 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
Can Folarin Balogun be the striker the USA have always needed at a World Cup?
Timeline for Folarin Balogun
Added the third goal for USA
2026 FIFA World Cup: USA settle a back four vs Senegal- Why did Folarin Balogun choose to play for the USA instead of England?
- Balogun, born in London to Nigerian parents and raised partly in New York, chose the USA in late 2023 after representing England at youth level. The US offered a clearer pathway to a senior starting role.Source: Lowdown
- Where does Folarin Balogun play his club football?
- Balogun plays for Monaco in Ligue 1, France, having previously starred at Reims on loan from Arsenal.Source: Lowdown
- Did Folarin Balogun score for the USA at the 2026 World Cup?
- Balogun scored the USA's third goal in their 3-2 pre-tournament friendly victory over Senegal on 31 May 2026 at Charlotte.Source: Lowdown
Background
Folarin Balogun is an Anglo-American striker who chose to represent the United States internationally after coming through the Arsenal academy and representing England at youth level. He scored the USA's third goal — and the decisive one — in the 3-2 friendly win over Senegal at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on 31 May 2026, confirming his role in Pochettino's attacking plans ahead of the 2026 World Cup .
Balogun was born in London to Nigerian parents and grew up in New York, making him eligible for England, Nigeria, and the United States. He came through Arsenal's Hale End academy before loan spells in France — most notably at Reims in Ligue 1, where he scored 21 league goals in 2022-23 — and later moved to Monaco. His decision to switch international allegiance to the US, confirmed in late 2023, was a significant acquisition for the USMNT programme given his pace, finishing ability, and the profile Ligue 1 had given him.
Balogun's arrival gives the USA a centre-forward with proven European top-flight production, something the squad has historically lacked. At a home World Cup where the hosts will be expected to play positive, attacking football, his ability to lead the line — or drop in behind a target forward — offers Pochettino genuine flexibility in the final third.
