Is Folarin Balogun In a Relationship? All About the U.S. World Cup Star
If there’s one World Cup 2026 star who has everyone talking, it’s Folarin Balogun, the United States forward who received a red card, only to have his one-game ban suspended.
Here’s the tea: During the United States’ Round of 32 game against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Balogun received a red card for stepping on Tarik Muharemovic’s right ankle. While Balogun argued that the awkward physical contact was worthy of a yellow card, the referee issued a red card, which forced Balogun to sit out the rest of the game and the entirety of the next one. However, ahead of the USMNT’s next game, July 6’s Round of 16 game against Belgium, Balogun’s red card ban was suspended, making him eligible for the match.
Ahead of his shocking return to the World Cup arena, Swooon‘s breaking down everything you need to know about Folarin Balogun’s life off the field, including his relationship status and more!
How old is Folarin Balogun?
Striker Folarin Balogun is just 25 years old. He celebrated his birthday on July 3, squarely between the day he was issued a red card and the day it was suspended. This World Cup is anything but his first rodeo with the US Men’s National Team. He joined the USMNT in 2023 at 22, with a total of 12 career goals since then. When he officially signed with the team, Balogun shared, “So proud to be apart of this! It has been a long journey to reach this point but it is with great Pride I can now represent these colours at the highest level. I am tied-in and fully committed!”
Is Folarin Balogun in a relationship?
Balogun keeps his private life private, so he hasn’t announced publicly whether or not he’s in a relationship. While he could have some special cheering him on, he appears to be single.
Where is Folarin Balogun from?
Balogun was born in Brooklyn, New York, while his mother was visiting from England. Folarin told viewers of the HBO documentary U.S. Against the World: Four Years With the Men’s National Soccer Team, “She came to the U.S. to visit her sister, and she had her return ticket, but then they said that she was too pregnant. So, I was born in New York, but grew up in London.” While Balogun is eligible to represent the United States, England, and Nigeria, he chose the USMNT.
Who are Folarin Balogun’s parents?
Balogun’s parents are Florence and Ben Balogun, Yoruba Nigerians who raised him in London. While Balogun did not live in the United States growing up, he received birthright citizenship, having been born in New York.
TV Guide Magazine’s 2026 World Cup Preview Special Issue is available for order online now at worldcup.tvgm2026.com and for purchase on newsstands nationwide.
