Folarin Balogun appeared at his first World Cup this summer for the US men’s national team. From a barrage of goals to a controversial red card suspension, to political intervention, it was an emotional roller coaster that culminated in a Round of 16 exit against Belgium in Seattle.
Balogun took to the Fanatics Fest Center Stage on LeBron James’ and Maverick Carter’s “The Shop” to discuss and recap the 2026 World Cup and all of the adjustments that came with it.
The USMNT’s World Cup top scorer was propelled into national stardom by leading the host nation to a first-place finish in the group stages.
“To be able to score at home on the biggest stage is special; that’s what dreams are made of as a kid, and to be able to do it. That’s something I’m going to be able to tell my children about, so I’m proud,” he said.
The home-field advantage throughout the entire tournament affected the striker who grew up in London. He noted how that environment is somewhere the European game could improve.
“I think out here is more of an event; there’s a lot more stuff,” Balogun said. “It’s probably better for the fans to come to a soccer game out here. Whereas in Europe, it’s more like a warzone.”
After his three-goal campaign, Balogun will return to Monaco in Ligue 1 (France) for club football, but it will be difficult for him to leave the big stage of the World Cup behind him.
“And the issue for me is I’ve played on the biggest stage, I’ve had the adrenaline, I’ve had the buzz, and I’m going to miss that, so that’s just motivation for me to continue to put myself out there, to continue to play in high-pressure environments because at the end of the day, that’s why I enjoy it. That’s what brings the best out of me,” he said.
Despite his dynamic start to the tournament, the conversation around Balogun’s World Cup quickly became hyper-focused on his red-card debacle. After a sending-off in the round of 32 against Bosnia and Herzegovina, he would typically have to serve a suspension in their round of 16 game against Belgium. But, due to external influence, the suspension was scratched, and the USMNT had their forward for the match.
“It was two days before the game against Belgium, the news broke that I was allowed back in the game. For me, it was surreal. I thought it was a joke at first. And when I saw the reaction on social media and stuff, it was immense,” he said.
“It’s a World Cup, it’s an event once every four years. To deny somebody that opportunity to represent their country just because of an unintentional challenge, to me, I don’t really think that’s correct, but, I feel like things happen in the way they do for a reason and,, the opportunity I’ve had and the awareness I’ve been able to to have, you know, in this process has been something that, you know, I, cherished as well.”
Despite being born in Brooklyn, Balogun played all of his youth soccer for the English national team and was born to two Nigerian parents, so with three options to represent at the international level, the decision to join the USMNT in 2023 was not a simple one.
“The most important thing is that I’m happy with my decision,” he said. “I’m proud of my decision; it’s not something I could change, it’s not something I would want to change,” he said. “My family and friends wanted me to play for the United States, so for me it was pretty easy.”
After an impactful World Cup performance both on and off the field, Folarin Balogun has proven that he can be an important figure within the national team for the foreseeable future.
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