Folarin Balogun Answers 26 Questions | OneFootball

Twenty-six players were named to the U.S. Men’s National Team roster for FIFA World Cup 2026. To get to know them better, we asked every player a set of 26 rapid-fire questions to learn more about their personalities and their journeys that led them to this incredible moment on the sport’s biggest stage.

Here are 26 questions with forward Folarin Balogun, who scored two goals in the USMNT’s 4-1 win in the group stage opener against Paraguay:

What time do you usually wake up on an off day?

I'm usually up about 10 a.m.

What’s your perfect breakfast?

A scrambled egg with some avocado and toast.

Do you prefer an electric or manual toothbrush?

I usually use both. I prefer my electric one, but then sometimes I use my manual one if I have time.

Coffee or tea?

I'm definitely more of a tea guy from growing up in the UK.

What's your tea of choice?

The Queen's English, the tea of choice in the UK.

What's your favorite part in your house?

Probably the living room. It’s a place where I like to chill, relax and watch football.

What’s your favorite part about living in Monaco?

The weather. We usually have good weather. Also, in the summertime, we have the Grand Prix.

If someone was visiting Monaco, what would you recommend that they do?

You have to check out the casino and visit food spots as well. They have a lot of nice food there.

How many siblings do you have?

I'm the middle child. I have my older brother and my little sister.

What was it like growing up as the middle child?

It was cool. My sister came along as I got older, so it was kind of just me and my brother, but it was definitely cool. We played a lot of football and did a lot of things together.

Do you prefer the nickname “Flo” or “Balo”?

I would say Balo, just because it's closer to my real name.

Other than soccer, what is your favorite sport to play?

Table tennis. Everyone knows by now I like to play table tennis.

Being a Yankees fan, who was your favorite player growing up?

Babe Ruth. Obviously, I didn't grow up with him, but he’s an iconic sports figure.

You're into fashion. How would you describe your style?

Relaxed, chilled. I’m always in stuff that I find comfortable.

If you could only wear one color of clothing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Beige, off-white.

While living in Monaco, have you been to a Grand Prix?

I've had the pleasure of watching it from my balcony. It was something I didn't expect. I really enjoyed it, but it's a little bit noisy.

Who's your favorite driver?

I've got two. Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.

What's something guaranteed to make you smile?

Coming home and I've got my food set out. That would make me happy.

What's been your favorite place to travel?

The Caribbean, probably the Bahamas.

What's the best advice you've ever received?

Never let a bad time humble you, and never let a good time get to your head.

Soft smile or smile with teeth?

Smile with teeth. With the pearly whites, I’ve got to show them.

What do you remember from being called up to the USMNT for the first time?

I remember feeling immensely proud. It was something I waited for for a long time. That feeling of finally being called up and meeting the boys was something special to me.

Who is one person who assisted your journey to becoming a professional soccer player?

Loads of people. My family was extremely helpful. I've been very fortunate to have good coaches. When you're young, a coach can either make you or break you, and I've had the pleasure of having really, really good coaches.

What’s your perfect way to score a goal?

A nice pass from my number 10 or a winger, and I've just got to focus on scoring the 1v1 with the ‘keeper. That's kind of a routine goal for a striker, and it’s one of my favorite to score.

When this tournament is over, and you look back, what do you hope people say about the way that you played and carried yourself?

I want people to remember me after this tournament for being fierce, for being brave, and for coming up when it mattered most for my team and for my country. That would be a good legacy to leave behind.