Folarin Balogun: From Super Eagles Exclusion to World Cup Hat‑Trick vs Paraguay

Former Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun was the standout for the United States of America after he netted a brace in the Group D opener against Paraguay.

The 24‑year‑old was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Nigerian parents before the family returned to the United Kingdom when he was only two months old.

Growing up, the Monaco forward was immersed in three cultures and expressed a desire to play for all three nations he was eligible for.

Balogun represented England at the U‑17 Euro tournament eight years ago, then switched to the United States later that year. He returned to England the following year, playing for the Three Lions up to the U‑21 level.

Just before the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Balogun said he was open to playing for the Super Eagles, but the Nigerian Football Federation had not contacted him.

“I haven’t heard anything from Nigeria, but I’m open to anything because Nigeria is very close to my heart,” he told BBC Sport Africa.

“My family’s from there. I always have love for Nigeria. Playing for them is a conversation that I need to have with people around me, my agent and obviously my family.”

“But if I was asked about the opportunity to play for Nigeria, then I can have that conversation. But first I need to be asked,” Balogun said.

When the call never came, he committed his international future to the USMNT in 2023 and has since earned 28 caps for Mauricio Pochettino’s side, scoring 11 goals.

The Super Eagles did not qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and had the New York‑born chosen Nigeria, he would not have been able to bench Victor Osimhen.

The ripple effect of that decision would have meant he never played in a World Cup and, consequently, never won over the hearts of the Americans.

After his double against Paraguay earlier Saturday, Balogun confirmed he made the right choice to represent the United States.

“A real dream, it’s a dreamy night,” Balogun said in quotes revealed by ESPN.

“I’ve not been able to take it all in. I’m sure when I get back to my hotel, I’m going to be able to be in the moment and experience how much of an amazing night this is.”

“When I committed, I’ve always said the fans gave me so much motivation, showed me so much support,” the striker said, reflecting on the decision he made three years ago.

“For me, the most important thing has always been to repay that.”

“I feel like today is a great opportunity, and I just want to continue to show the fans I made the right decision. I’m completely proud, and I want to continue to make the fans proud as well.”

“I visualized my debut in the World Cup scoring, but the reality did surpass that of scoring two goals, and the second goal was a fantastic goal as well,” Balogun concluded.

Although the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Balogun joins other Nigerian‑blooded talents flying the green and white flag high at the Copa Mundial.