While Christian Pulisic is widely considered the face of the U.S. national team competing on home soil at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the team’s 4–1 group-stage win over Paraguay belonged to another star, striker Folarin Balogun. The 24-year-old scored two U.S. goals in the June 12 match and bolstered……
While Christian Pulisic is widely considered the face of the U.S. national team competing on home soil at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the team’s 4–1 group-stage win over Paraguay belonged to another star, striker Folarin Balogun.
The 24-year-old scored two U.S. goals in the June 12 match and bolstered hopes this year’s team could actually be a factor in the elimination rounds of the tournament. In doing so, Balogun left a significant impression on the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT).
The performance further strengthened Balogun’s growing influence within the USMNT setup, with teammate Tyler Adams praising his impact after the victory.
“You look at our team and how dynamic we are, he fits in, he fits in perfect,” Adams told ESPN FC. “I mean, he had two or three chances. He had two goals. Like, that’s exactly what we need in these moments.”
Balogun made his USMNT debut on June 15, 2023, during the CONCACAF Nations League semifinal clash against Mexico. He went on to find the net just three days later in the title-clinching victory over Canada, an early indication of his ability to deliver in decisive moments.
Even with previous stars such as Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey representing the United States, Balogun etched his name into the history books after scoring twice against Paraguay.
The striker became the first U.S. player to score at least two goals in a single World Cup match since Bert Patenaude in 1930. Ironically, Patenaude’s famous hat-trick also came in a fixture against Paraguay.
When he is not on duty with Monaco, Balogun divides his time between New York City and London, according to Fox News. He has also expressed a desire to settle in New York after his playing career ends.
He is known for enjoying a relatively low profile, even before his breakout World Cup performance, and has shown a willingness to join casual games with strangers.
Balogun, who has emerged as a key attacking option for the United States, continues to draw attention for his decisive finishing and ability to deliver in high-pressure matches as the tournament progresses.
Balogun and the USMNT continued their group stage campaign on Friday, beating Australia 2-0 in Seattle to become the second team to qualify for the round of 32 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
USA face already eliminated Turkey on Friday, June 26, 2026, as they hope to finish the group unbeaten.
