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Balogun scored two goals in the USMNT's 4-1 opening World Cup win over Paraguay, becoming the first U.S. men's national team player to score a brace on a World Cup debut. The performance has renewed attention on his backstory—born in Brooklyn but raised in London, he was eligible for England and Nigeria before committing to the U.S. in 2023.
Folarin Balogun, a professional soccer striker for Monaco and the USMNT, is trending after scoring two goals in the U.S. men's national team's World Cup debut against Paraguay.
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"title": "Folarin Balogun chose the U.S. over England. It’s already paying off in the World Cup.",
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"snippet": "Folarin Balogun, born in Brooklyn but raised in London, agreed to play his international career with the Americans in 2023. Three years later he opened the...",
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"title": "Folarin Balogun Was Born American by Accident and Chose the USA Over England",
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"title": "How Folarin Balogun’s accidental USA eligibility created World Cup hero",
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"title": "Folarin Balogun \"completely proud\" to deliver for USMNT in World Cup debut - SBI Soccer",
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"title": "Who are Folarin Balogun’s parents? Where was he born and why did he choose to play for the USA",
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"snippet": "Folarin Balogun scored twice against Paraguay to continue his red-hot form and cement his status as the leader of the U.S. attack at the 2026 World Cup.",
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"title": "2026 WORLD CUP: USMNT ride Balogun brace to historic 4-1 opening win over Paraguay",
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Jun 14, 2026, 3:06 AM
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