Folarin Balogun Wouldn’t Be Playing For USMNT Under Trump’s Proposed Law

Having also produced news content for HITC Sport and Read Liverpool, he has created a wide range of content for GMS, including news, opinion, features, lists and viral sport content.

His passion for sports extends further than football, as he has covered several sports for GMS, including Boxing, Tennis, and Wrestling. Sign in to your GiveMeSport account Folarin Balogun announced himself at the 2026 World Cup by becoming the first United States player to score twice in a single match at the tournament since 1930.

The 24-year-old found the net with his right foot to put his country 2-0 up before adding a thunderbolt with his left boot to make it 3-0 before half-time. Those goals helped Mauricio Pochettino's men to a 4-1 victory against Paraguay on the opening day.

Balogun, born in New York, had the opportunity to play for either England or Nigeria, but chose to represent the USA in 2023. Current President Donald Trump, however, is trying to bring in a law that would've stopped him playing for the USMNT.

While Balogun was born in the United States, he wasn't supposed to be. His mother and father, from Nigeria, travelled from London to New York while his mum was pregnant.

The airline didn't allow her to fly home while pregnant, so Balogun's mother gave birth to him in America before taking him back to England two months later. Florence, his mum, explained:

"I had him in July and by the end of August we were back in London.

"I don't believe things happened by luck. I think for me to have gone to America and for me to have had him there, it is just something that has really stuck with me. Even when he wasn't even thinking of making an international decision, I'd already made up my mind that he is going to play for America."

Due to birthright citizenship laws, based on the 14th amendment to the US Constitution, Balogun was immediately granted US citizenship upon his birth. Trump, who has been back in the White House since early 2025, is currently pushing to change those laws. He wants children of immigrants or people visiting the country on temporary visas not to be automatically considered US citizens.

England would have an unstoppable starting line-up if these players had chosen to represent the Three Lions

Per The Independent, the 79-year-old's proposed law would have meant Balogun wouldn't be an option for the US. Many citizens will be delighted that wasn't the case 24 years ago after the striker's impressive World Cup debut.

Balogun grew up in England and represented the Three Lions at youth level, scoring seven times in 13 appearances for the Under-20s side. The former Arsenal forward then switched allegiances in 2023 and spoke of his pride.

In 2023, he withdrew from the England youth squad and met with the USMNT squad and interim manager Anthony Hudson in Orlando. Following that meeting, as well as chats with Christian Pulisic and Matt Turner, he opted to play for the US instead.

"When I broke the news to my family, they were all just over the moon, especially my mom," Balogun explained (per ESPN). It's believed a lack of a clear pathway into England's starting XI could have been a big factor in his decision.

Balogun added how much it means to him to pull on the American shirt, saying: "To represent the United States means a lot, more than people would know. I'm very proud and honoured to have this opportunity, and I want to give everything I have to make our team successful."

Statistics in this article are courtesy of Transfermarkt. Correct as of 13-06-26.