Background

Folarin Balogun had his red-card ban suspended by FIFA's Appeal Committee on 6 July, clearing him to face Belgium in the round of 16, after President Donald Trump reportedly telephoned FIFA president Gianni Infantino to lobby for the reversal. Balogun had been sent off in the 64th minute of the USA's 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on 1 July, having scored the opening goal before his dismissal.

Balogun is an Anglo-American striker who chose to represent the United States after coming through Arsenal's academy and playing for England at youth level, Born in London to Nigerian parents and raised partly in New York. He starred on loan at Reims in Ligue 1, scoring 21 league goals in 2022-23, before moving to Monaco, and switched international allegiance to the US in late 2023.

Balogun scored twice in the USA's 4-1 win over Paraguay on 12 June, the co-host opener, the first two-goal World Cup performance by a USMNT player since 1930. He added the USA's consolation goal in a 3-1 defeat to Germany on 6 June. His scoring form made him Pochettino's first-choice striker, and the reported presidential intervention that cleared him for Belgium has turned a football story into a debate about FIFA's disciplinary neutrality.

Common Questions

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?

Yes. Balogun scored twice in the USA's 4-1 win over Paraguay on 12 June, the first two-goal World Cup performance by a USMNT player since 1930, and also scored against Germany and Senegal.Source: Lowdown

Why was Folarin Balogun's ban lifted?

FIFA's Appeal Committee suspended his red-card ban on 6 July, clearing him for the Belgium tie, after President Trump reportedly telephoned FIFA president Gianni Infantino to request the reversal; neither side has confirmed the call.Source: Lowdown

Was Folarin Balogun sent off at the World Cup?

Yes, Balogun was shown a straight red card in the 64th minute of the USA's 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on 1 July, having scored the opening goal.Source: Lowdown

Source Material

Folarin Balogun – Wikipedia

How the World Sees Them

England

English football views Balogun's switch with some regret — his Reims season was one of the best by any English-eligible forward in recent memory, and losing him to another federation is a reflection of depth competition at the top.

United States

Balogun's switch from England is seen as a coup for US Soccer; he brings European club pedigree the programme has rarely had at striker, and his goal against Senegal eased any residual doubt about his buy-in.