Folarin Balogun is developing into the next superstar of American soccer at the 2026 World Cup.
Balogun scored twice in the USMNT’s 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their first game of the tournament last week.
The striker has now delivered again in their second match against Australia, in the absence of Christian Pulisic.
Pulisic has been the USA’s biggest star for almost a decade, but he missed the Australia game with a calf injury.
Thankfully for Mauricio Pochettino’s side, Balogun created a goal with his best impression of the AC Milan winger.
What Christian Pulisic said about Folarin Balogun
Balogun made an excellent run into the box from the left wing in the 11th minute—Pulisic’s trademark move.
He attempted to pass the ball to Ricardo Pepi, but Australia defender Cameron Burgess kicked the ball into his own net.
It may not have been as satisfying as a goal, but Balogun can be proud of another great performance for the USA.
The former Arsenal striker is even rivalling Pulisic as the USMNT’s best player under Pochettino.
However, there is no rivalry between the two USA stars; instead, Pulisic has been complimentary about Balogun.
“The kid’s insane,” Pulisic said, via USA Today. “Yeah, he’s lethal right now in front of goal. We’re really lucky to have him and [hope he] keeps going like this.”
USA supporters will be incredibly optimistic about the Turkey game, as they should have both Balogun and Pulisic up front.
They can even start dreaming of reaching the quarter-finals for the first time since 2002.
Read more:
