Folarin Balogun has etched his name into World Cup history after scoring twice in the United States’ 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His performance made him the first American player in 96 years to score more than one goal in a single World Cup match.
Born in New York to Nigerian parents and raised in London, Balogun was eligible to represent the United States, England, or Nigeria. After progressing through the youth ranks at Arsenal and later joining AS Monaco, he chose to play for the United States senior national team in 2023.
Against Paraguay, the 24-year-old striker scored a first-half brace and was named Man of the Match as the U.S. launched their home World Cup campaign with a dominant win. The achievement was especially significant because no American had scored two goals in a World Cup game since 1930.
Balogun’s journey is unique. Although his family lived in London, he was born in Brooklyn during a visit to New York, automatically gaining U.S. citizenship. Years later, that circumstance allowed him to choose the United States over England and Nigeria at international level.
His historic performance has instantly made him one of the standout players of the tournament and strengthened hopes that the United States can make a deep run on home soil.
Quick Facts
- Full name: Folarin Jerry Balogun
- Age: 24
- Parents: Nigerian
- Born: New York, USA
- Raised: London, England
- Club: AS Monaco
- Position: Striker
- Eligible for: USA, England, and Nigeria
- Chose USA in 2023
- First American since 1930 to score a World Cup brace
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