The story of how Nigerian born Folarin Balogun became eligible to represent the United States national football team has emerged.
The Monaco striker scored twice for the United States Men’s National Team in the 4-1 win against Paraguay in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Balogun qualifies to represent the USMNT due to his birth in the United States 24 years ago. His US citizenship was an unexpected development, as recounted by his mother, Florence, in an interview with ESPN.
Florence, as quoted by ESPN, had traveled from London to the USA while seven months pregnant with Balogun. Upon attempting to return to London from New York, the airline denied her boarding due to her pregnancy, resulting in her giving birth to her son in Brooklyn, New York.
Within a month of his birth, Florence returned to London with baby Folarin and enrolled him in the Arsenal academy at the age of eight. He progressed through the ranks of the Premier League champions and represented England up to the U-21 level, while also participating in youth teams for the USA on occasion.
In 2023, he made the decision to join the USMNT and was entrusted by coach Mauricio Pochettino to spearhead the attack in the victory over Paraguay.
(Daily Post)
