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Folarin Balogun reflects on accidental U.S. birth during World Cup run

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 25, 2026, 12:45 AM

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

Folarin Balogun reflects on accidental U.S. birth during World Cup run

Summary

U.S. Men's National Team striker Folarin Balogun has shared insights about his unexpected U.S. citizenship amid the ongoing FIFA World Cup. Balogun, born in New York in 2001 due to an airline boarding policy, initially represented England at the youth level before switching allegiance to the U.S. in 2023. He aims to help the USMNT maintain its winning streak as they face Türkiye on June 25. The U.S. has already qualified for the knockout stage after strong performances, including a decisive 4-1 victory over Paraguay and a 2-0 win against Australia.

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By the Numbers

•Balogun reveals his U.S. birth from a family trip to New York.
•He switched international allegiance from England to the U.S. in 2023.
•USMNT aims to win all group stage matches for the first time.
•The team secured their place in the knockout stage with two wins.

Latest Updates

12:45 AMYahoo Sports — USMNT’s Folarin Balogun Reveals Accidental U.S. Birth

What they're saying

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U.S. Men’s National Team striker Folarin Balogun has been doing the country proud in the ongoing FIFA World Cup, but The USMNT’s Folarin Balogun Reveals Accidental U.S. Birth first appeared on The Blast
— Yahoo Sports

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