Folarin Balogun has declared that he will be playing for the US men’s national team after switching from England. The on loan striker to Reims has completed his switch and will be eligible to represent USA in the 2026 World Cup.
FIFA confirmed on Tuesday that a request from the U.S. Soccer Federation to change his eligibility has been accepted.
The 21-year-old has played for England and the USA at the youth level previously, before becoming a regular at Under-21 level for the Three Lions.
“My parents were on holiday there for a few months because we have family in New York,” he recently said in an interview with the Ligue One website.
“But very soon after I was born, we all moved back to London. London is my city, it’s where I grew up, where my friends are, and if people ask me where I’m from, I say I’m English. But, yes, I am a mixture of all these cultures.”
Folarin Balogun was born in New York City by Nigerian parents.
He has scored 20 goals in Ligue one, since joining Arsenal.
The 21-year-old, who was born in New York to Nigerian parents, was eligible to play for both countries. He had previously represented England at youth level but has now decided to commit his future to the USA.
Balogun is the latest in a growing list of young players to switch allegiance to the USA. In recent years, the country has seen a surge in popularity among young footballers, thanks in part to the success of the USMNT at the 2022 World Cup.
Balogun’s decision is a major boost for the USA. He is a talented striker who has the potential to be a star for the national team. He has already made a significant impact at Arsenal, scoring 17 goals in 27 appearances for the Gunners this season.
Balogun’s decision is also a blow to Nigeria. The Super Eagles are one of the most successful African teams, but they have struggled to produce top-quality strikers in recent years. Balogun would have been a major asset to the team, and his absence will be felt.
