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.

Folarin Balogun’s Accidental Birth in America

Matthew Childs via Reuters

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:

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.

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.

Why Balogun Chose USA Over England

Paul Childs (Action Images via Reuters)

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.

Manchester United are set to make an opening offer to sign an ‘elite’ star, according to Sky Sports.

It’s been an exciting start to the summer transfer window for United fans, with a host of top-level players being linked with a move to Old Trafford.

It’s no surprise that United are looking to strengthen all across the pitch as they look to back new manager Michael Carrick after giving him a permanent deal.

The former Middlesbrough boss guided United to a Champions League finish, getting them back into Europe, where they’ll feel they belong.

With Champions League football comes the need to invest in the squad, not only to deal with the stronger opponents but also the extra fixtures.

Man Utd Preparing Opening Bid

via Reuters

According to a report from Sky Sports News, Manchester United are preparing to make an opening offer for West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes.

Reporting live on air, Sky Sports confirmed the ‘significant’ news with Fernandes identified as their priority target.

Fernandes, described as ‘elite’, could cost in the region of £85 million, while United are in contact with both West Ham and the agent of the Portuguese midfielder.

West Ham are always going to find it difficult to keep hold of Fernandes heading into the summer transfer window after their relegation from the Premier League was confirmed.

Man Utd Aren’t Messing Around This Window

Manchester United are certainly not messing around in the summer transfer window, with Brazilian midfielder Ederson closing in on a move to Old Trafford.

The Red Devils are clearly looking to add more bodies in the middle of the park, especially after it was confirmed that Casemiro would be leaving the club.

Attention could turn to bringing in new additions in other positions if they also confirm the signing of Fernandes from West Ham.

The Manchester club could look to bring in new forwards and defenders, but it’s clear that they prioritised strengthening their midfield options heading into the window.

Across his glittering career as both a player and a manager, Pep Guardiola has worked alongside some of the greatest players to ever step foot on the pitch.

Guardiola shared a pitch with the likes of Ronaldo Nazario and Luis Figo, before coaching names such as Lionel Messi, Xavi, Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne.

As a result, when Pep singles a player out for praise, it’s a strong endorsement. This is especially true when it involves a member of the opposition.

Guardiola “Realised How Good” Talented Player Was

After his Manchester City side beat Southampton 2-1 in November 2017, Guardiola was such a big admirer of one Saints player that he made sure to compliment him after the final whistle.

Pep remembered Southampton winger Nathan Redmond from when the two sides met the year prior. The Birmingham-born speedster had previously tormented City, scoring in the 1-1 draw between the teams at the Etihad in October 2016.

A little over 12 months later, Pep cut an animated figure as he had a passionate discussion with Redmond on the touchline. Their interaction was so eye-catching that Guardiola was asked to explain what he had said to the player.

“I told Redmond how good a player he is. Last season he destroyed us here. I didn’t know him last season, I realised how good he is.”

Player Who ‘Destroyed’ Man City Never Lived Up to Guardiola’s Lofty Praise

Redmond was a regular for England in age-group football and was honoured as England’s Under-21 Player of the Year in 2016. However, he never made the permanent leap to the senior side.

He made his England debut just months after he first impressed Guardiola. He came on for Adam Lallana as a 66th minute substitute. He was named in the squad to face Lithuaina four days later, but never made it on to the pitch for his country again.

With the Three Lions blessed with attacking options out wide at the time, Redmond was in direct competition with the likes of a prime Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford, Lallana and others.

Although Pep was a fan, then-England boss Gareth Southgate wasn’t quite as taken with the Southampton man. Redmond’s prospects weren’t helped by the fact that the Southampton side he was a part of got progressively worse as time went on.

He would remain on the south coast until September 2022, when he moved to Besiktas in Turkey. He would return to England within 12 months, joining Burnley on a two-year deal.

His international dreams were already dashed by the time he left Turf Moor in May 2025 when his contract expired. Redmond would then join beleaguered Sheffield Wednesday for a three-game stint.

Now 32, he most recently played for Blackburn Rovers, making two appearances at Ewood Park. He will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of next month.