​  U.S. Men’s National Team forward Folarin Balogun spent just a few months living in Brooklyn, New York, before his Nigerian parents relocated back to London.Through the long-established United States policy of birthright citizenship – a principle President Donald Trump is attempting to modify – Balogun qualified for American citizenship and therefore eligibility for the national squad.The 24-year-old AS Monaco forward has emerged as the USMNT’s standout performer through two matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, earning back-to-back Player of the Match honors in victories over Paraguay and Australia. FOX Sport’s Alexi Lalas questioned Balogun directly about his choice to play for the United States rather than England or Nigeria.-Credit:Robin Alam/ISI Photos, ISI Photos via Getty Images”Everything. I made the decision about three, three and a half years ago,” he said, via The Mirror US. “The fans, the support I was getting really motivated me to make my decision. Also, I think the ambition of the American people and the culture really inspires me.”Balogun has found the back of the net 11 times in 29 appearances for the United States since accepting his inaugural call-up in 2023. He immediately contributed to the USMNT’s triumph in that year’s CONCACAF Nations League, netting a crucial goal in the final.Balogun featured for England across virtually every youth level before accepting a call-up to the U.S. U18s squad in 2018. His reasoning? He explained to Yahoo that he “wanted to experience [the youth camp]. I’m somebody who’s always open-minded.”I want to give myself the opportunity to experience things, and then I can make a decision from there,” Balogun added. “That situation was no different. It planted a seed in my head.”To listen to the latest episode of ‘All Out Soccer’ – CLICK HEREHis eligibility proved especially serendipitous – Balogun’s mother was prevented from boarding a flight back to London just two months before his birth due to being considered too far along in her pregnancy.”I don’t believe things happened by luck,” his mother told ESPN in 2023. “I think for me to have gone to America and for me to have had him there, it is just something that has really stuck with me. Even when he wasn’t even thinking of making an international decision, I’d already made up my mind that he is going to play for America.”Today, Balogun stands as one of the USMNT’s most pivotal figures. A guaranteed starter for manager Mauricio Pochettino, the Monaco forward will spearhead the U.S. offensive throughout the remainder of the competition.”The best thing we can do is inspire the nation,” he told Yahoo. “Make a stand, make a statement. I want young kids to grow up and to be inspired by what we’re doing here now. I want our journey to inspire millions of kids around America. My primary focus is on what we’re doing here and to make sure we have       ​Read More