# Folarin Balogun's World Cup breakthrough

> The U.S. striker announced himself at the 2026 World Cup with goals and a story that captivated the nation.
- Title: Folarin Balogun's World Cup breakthrough · TIME | Shortify
- Summary: The U.S. striker announced himself at the 2026 World Cup with goals and a story that captivated the nation. Folarin Balogun scored multiple goals at the 2026…
- Keywords: folarin balogun, u.s. men's soccer, 2026 world cup, world cup, soccer, Folarin, Balogun's, World, Cup, breakthrough, TIME
- Source: TIME — https://time.com/collection/time100-next/2026/folarin-balogun
- Published: 2026-09-30T11:02:18.879+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: folarin balogun, u.s. men's soccer, 2026 world cup, world cup, soccer
## Balogun announces himself at the Cup
Folarin Balogun sent an unmistakable message at the World Cup this summer that he is the new face of U.S. men's soccer in his first Cup appearance.
## From London to the U.S. team
Balogun grew up in London but chose to compete for the U.S., where he was born, making his international switch a significant part of his story.
## Goals in three group matches
Balogun scored a pair of goals in a four one trouncing of Paraguay, created an own goal in a victory against Australia, then scored again in the team's two zero round of thirty two win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
## Trump calls FIFA over suspension
Balogun was such a potent force that when FIFA overturned his one game suspension for the round of sixteen tilt against Belgium after a phone call from President Donald Trump, the world took notice.
## Balogun's unique story resonates
Balogun endeared himself to teammates and fans by maintaining a wide eyed curiosity about America. He said during the tournament, it is beyond explainable how special and unique his story is.

> It's beyond explainable how special and ​unique my story is.
## U.S. looks ahead to 2030
Expectations will rise for the U.S. at the two thousand thirty World Cup. With Balogun as its striker, the team is on solid footing for the tournament ahead.
## Key takeaway

Folarin Balogun scored multiple goals at the 2026 World Cup to establish himself as the new face of U.S. men's soccer.