Folarin Balogun eyes home World Cup impact after opener brace for USA | OneFootball

Folarin Balogun scored twice in the United States’ opener and heads into a home World Cup keen to showcase his ability, with Australia to come on Friday.

In Monaco he spoke of huge pride and viewed the tournament as a major chance to show his talent, with vast audiences watching. He added that pressure brings responsibility and that he must match his club form, according to AFP.

Born in New York to Nigerian parents who later moved to London, he turned professional at Arsenal without breaking through. He blossomed in France with Reims then Monaco, scoring 19 in 43 this season, including five in 10 in the Champions League.

Lengthy injuries, including shoulder surgery, and a wait behind the breakout Mika Biereth in February 2025 have been left behind. He credits assistant Kevin Mirallas, under Sébastien Pocognoli, with restoring confidence and sharpening his finishing.

With the national team, Mauricio Pochettino has brought belief and a fighter’s mentality, and Balogun says the squad is more competitive with aims to go far. He tempers that with small steps, starting with getting out of the group, boosted by last week’s 4-1 defeat of Paraguay that featured his brace and a top-corner strike.

He wants to make the country proud and avoids political debate, focusing on football’s ability to help people. Under contract at Monaco until 2028, he knows a standout World Cup could reshape his career.

Source: Nice-Matin