Sometimes the bright lights of a first FIFA World Cup experience might lead to nervousness for a player, but for Folarin Balogun, it’s provided the platform for him to raise his game to a new level.
Balogun has contributed to three of the USMNT’s six goals during the group stage of this summer’s competition so far, scoring twice himself in a 4-1 romp over Paraguay and helping force an own goal in a recent 2-0 victory over Australia. The 24-year-old striker has continued to be a key starter in Mauricio Pochettino’s squad, contributing to the USMNT’s early advancement to the knockout stage for the seventh time in program history.
With two goals in two World Cup appearances already under his belt, Balogun is aiming for more as the tournament continues.
“I’m enjoying the stakes, enjoying the pressure, it’s what brings out the best of me,” Balogun told reporters on Monday. “I’m very excited and I want to continue to score goals.”
In another universe, we might not be talking about Balogun representing the USMNT at all. Although born in New York, Balogun spent most of his life in London, and later came up through the Arsenal academy and England youth national team ranks.
After being recruited by Gregg Berhalter, his staff, and many of the current player pool, Balogun made the switch to the USMNT in May 2023 and has since been one of the leading candidates to start each match he has been available for.
Balogun has no regrets about his international decision, reaffirming his commitment to the USMNT and being an American.
“I’m very proud to be American and to represent America,” Balogun said. “My story has gotten a little bit of attention. It’s expected for our World Cup as well. It’s an opportunity for the fans to get to know about us as players. But nothing changes. I’m very proud to be here.
“The team has always been diverse since I’ve come here, no different from America, [it’s an] extremely diverse place,” he added. “The most important thing for us is to stay focused on what we’re doing here. We’re here to play football. We’re here to compete at the highest level. We’re here to make the country proud. If we do that to the level I know we can, I think we’re going to inspire the nation.”
While Balogun may want to be part of Thursday’s starting lineup against Turkey, he might be forced to wait until the Round of 32 to earn minutes again. The USMNT have already sealed top spot in Group D, meaning that Balogun and several other key players in the squad may be given a rest in order to preserve their energy for the knockout stage.
Should Balogun see the pitch at SoFi Stadium on Thursday remains to be seen, but if not, the USMNT’s objective remains the same as it has been since Matchday 1, to win the match.
“The most important thing is to go out there and win,” Balogun said. “Regardless of whatever team the coach decides to play, the objection and the aim is to go out there and win Three wins in three games is an opportunity to create history and to put a positive message out there, not just for ourselves, but towards other teams.”