US Hoping Folarin Balogun and His Fellow Strikers Can End Their Traditional World Cup Scoring Woes
Balogun and Ricardo Pepi are among the U.S. forwards trying to end a World Cup scoring drought of 28 goals in 30 matches since 1990.
- Folarin Balogun leads the United States men's national soccer team attack into their World Cup opener against Paraguay on Friday night, chosen to provide the elite goal-scoring ability the program historically lacked.
- The United States has historically struggled to produce prolific strikers, scoring 28 goals in 30 matches across their past eight World Cups since 1990; Balogun brings elite skill honed during his 19-goal season for Monaco.
- Midfielder Gio Reyna noted the team is "deeper now," with forward Ricardo Pepi entering in strong form after a 19-goal season for PSV Eindhoven alongside Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie.
- U.S. captain and defender Tim Ream called Balogun "the most annoying" American forward to defend in practice, praising his quick movements and ability to hold the ball and get into goal-scoring positions.
- Forward Haji Wright noted that playing the World Cup at home adds pressure, but believes it "forces us to perform in ways maybe we didn't know we were capable of" as the team builds on recent success.
25 Articles
25 Articles
Brooklyn-born Folarin Balogun was the missing piece USMNT so badly needed for World Cup 2026
Brooklyn-born USMNT striker Folarin Balogun, who plies his trade at Monaco in France’s Ligue 1, is the sort of player the national team has wanted — needed — for years. He's their X-factor at World Cup 2026.
World Cup: US strikers look to end scoring woes when team opens its group play Friday
Ever since the U.S. began to achieve regular World Cup qualification, one big problem has prevented the Americans from making progress: They can’t win because they don’t score enough.
Associated Press News
US hoping Folarin Balogun and his fellow strikers can end their traditional World Cup scoring woes
Folarin Balogun's decision to play for the U.S. three years ago was a coup for the American team, and they're hoping to reap the benefits at the upcoming World Cup.
Folarin Balogun is the USMNT’s focal point, whether he’s getting touches or not
The Monaco striker’s impact on the US attack will vary depending on how the team builds up, and where that buildup happens • Free newsletter | Daily podcast | Download our app Some strikers are gregarious personalities who ensure attention even when they struggle. Folarin Balogun prefers to speak softly and maintain a healthy goalscoring record. The 24-year-old has still been making himself known to his country of birth – he was born in New York…
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