Folarin Balogun chose the U.S. over England. It’s already paying off in the World Cup

Folarin Balogun, born in Brooklyn but raised in London, agreed to play his international career with the Americans in 2023. Three years later he opened the World Cup with two goals.

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Folarin Balogun stood at the podium and flashed a bright smile.

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“It’s a dreamy night,” he said to the dozens in the news media looking on.

Teammates and fans would say that, too.