United States soccer supporters embraced Folarin Balogun after he scored twice in his World Cup debut during the U.S. men’s national team’s (USMNT) 4-1 victory over Paraguay, kicking off the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup. At 25 years old, Balogun emerged as a key figure in the tournament.
In the Round-of-32 match against Bosnia-Herzegovina, Balogun’s involvement led to controversy when he collided with Tarik Muharemovic, resulting in a red card for Balogun and a subsequent suspension for one match. Despite his absence, the U.S. defeated Bosnia 2-0, advancing to the Round of 16 against Belgium.
FIFA later reversed Balogun’s suspension, allowing him to participate in the match against Belgium, which was the USMNT’s most significant match since reaching the quarterfinal in 2002. However, Belgium overwhelmed the U.S. with a 4-1 defeat in Seattle on July 6.
Following the loss, Balogun shared an emotional message on social media expressing his regret and determination. He posted an image celebrating his goal against Bosnia, captioned, “My debut World Cup… it hurts to wait 4 years to compete at the highest level our sport has to offer. I want to say sorry to our fans it was not good enough when it mattered most and we let you down.” He encouraged belief in the future of soccer in America.
Despite the disappointment, Balogun emerged as the USMNT’s top scorer, with three goals. His reaction to the red-card incident earned admiration. Balogun remarked, “I’ve been upset. I’ve been happy. It’s been surreal. But it’s important to stay calm. Little kids, boys and girls are watching, and we have to show them the correct way to handle things even when you think it’s unjust.”
After facing the toughest defeat of his career, Balogun sought out Belgium manager Rudi Garcia, who previously expressed disbelief over FIFA’s decision to suspend Balogun’s red card. Garcia appreciated Balogun’s gesture and acknowledged his talent.
Balogun’s future remains a topic of interest. Despite signing with AS Monaco in August 2023 with a contract through 2028, reports suggest he expects to leave Monaco. English Premier League clubs and others across Europe, including Italian teams, are showing interest in the London-born player. Balogun’s presence on major sports stages might be imminent.