USMNT’s Folarin Balogun Reveals Accidental U.S. Birth

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U.S. Men’s National Team striker Folarin Balogun has been doing the country proud in the ongoing FIFA World Cup, but the circumstances surrounding his birth mean he could have easily never had the chance.

Speaking on his rise to playing for the national team on the biggest stage, Folarin said he believes it was destiny all along.

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The 24-year-old star will look to replicate his form as the U.S. aims to maintain its perfect streak in the group stage when it plays Türkiye on Thursday.

Folarin Balogun’s USMNT Journey Almost Never HappenedZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

As the USMNT pushes through its World Cup campaign, first-choice striker Folarin Balogun has been turning heads with his brilliant performances on the pitch.

Yet, the story of how he came to wear the Stars and Stripes is easily one of the most remarkable and accidental origins in modern sports history.

Balogun, who spent his childhood in England with his Nigerian parents, could have spent this summer leading the line for England or Nigeria.

In fact, he played for England at the youth level before switching allegiance to the United States in 2023.

The Unlikely Reason Balogun Was Born In America

The only reason Folarin is eligible to play for the United States is because of an airline boarding policy that ultimately changed the course of his nationality.

In 2001, his parents, Florence and Ben, were living in London but decided to take a summer trip to New York City to visit family. At the time, Florence was seven months pregnant with Balogun and hoped to make it back to the UK well ahead of her due date.

However, when they arrived at the airport for their return flight, airline staff prevented her from boarding because she was so far along in her pregnancy.

Florence stayed back in New York for a few months and delivered Folarin on July 3, 2001. Under U.S. birthright citizenship laws, the location of his birth automatically granted him American citizenship.

Folarin Balogun Says His USMNT Story Feels Destined

Speaking about the renewed interest surrounding his birth amid the ongoing World Cup, Folarin said he believes it all happened for a reason.

“I’m very proud and very honored,” he told reporters earlier this week, per Reuters. “I ⁠feel like it’s happened in the way it has for a reason, and for me to go out there in the first game and score two goals and win, for me it’s beyond explainable how special and unique my story is to be in here.”

According to the news outlet, he also explained that the attention surrounding his birth is understandable, as many fans seem eager to learn more about the players representing the country.

“I’m very proud to be American and to represent America,” he said. “The story has picked up a bit of attention, but I think it’s expected. We’re at the World Cup, and it’s an opportunity for the fans to get to know more about us as players.”

Folarin Balogun Says USMNT Reflects America’s Diversity

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Folarin’s story is one of several inspiring stories in a diverse U.S. squad, which includes players born in the Netherlands and Mexico, as well as players like Ricardo Pepi, who grew up in the border city of El Paso, Texas.

For Folarin, there is satisfaction in being part of such a team, and he noted that the squad’s diversity reflects the country they represent.

“The team has always been diverse since I’ve come here,” he said. “It’s no different from America, an extremely diverse place. But ⁠I think that the most important thing for us is to stay focused on what we’re doing here.”

USMNT Eyes Historic Group-Stage Sweep

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The USMNT will take on already-eliminated Türkiye in their final group-stage game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Thursday, June 25, at 5 p.m. PT / 7 p.m. CT / 8 p.m. ET.

Mauricio Pochettino’s men have already sealed top spot in Group D, but they will be looking to make it a perfect three wins from three after dismantling Paraguay 4-1 before seeing off Australia 2-0.

Balogun spoke about the team’s desire to get all three points and set a new record by winning all of their group games, something the USMNT has never achieved.

“The most important thing is to go out there and win,” Folarin said. “Three wins from three games is an opportunity to create history and to put a positive ⁠message out there, not just for ourselves but towards other teams.”

It remains uncertain whether star player Christian Pulisic will play after he was substituted at halftime in the opener against Paraguay with an injury, then missed the victory against Australia.

“It was impossible for him today to play,” Pochettino said. “We hope that next game he will be available, but if we want to win the competition, we need the whole team. All of the players need to be important, but of course, Christian is one of the best players in the world, and I hope that he can recover as soon as possible and can show it on the pitch and help the team.”

The USMNT’s Folarin Balogun Reveals Accidental U.S. Birth first appeared on The Blast

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