World Cup 2026: Meet USMNT striker Folarin Balogun
Folarin Balogun, player of the United States, poses with his jersey during the United States World Cup roster reveal on May 26, 2026, in New York City. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
The U.S. Men's National Team roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set with striker Folarin Balogun making the team.
Each national team has to have at least 23 players and is allowed a maximum of 26 players and at least three goalkeepers are required to be on the roster. Team USA has 26 players.
World Cup 2026: Meet USMNT meet striker Folarin Balogun
Folarin Balogun of AS Monaco runs with the ball during the Ligue 1 McDonald's match between Paris FC and AS Monaco FC at Stade Jean Bouin on April 10, 2026 in Paris, France. (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)
Folarin Balogun was born July 3, 2001, in Brooklyn, New York to Nigerian parents of Yoruba heritage. When he was one-month old his family moved to London, England, where he was raised.
Balogun is eligible to represent the United States, England, and Nigeria; and chose the USMNT after attending a training camp in Florida in 2023, citing fan support on social media as influential in his decision.
He plays for AWS Monaco FC in France.
When is the World Cup?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins June 11 and ends on July 19.
The group stage
- June 12, 2026: USA vs. Paraguay (Los Angeles Stadium)
- June 19, 2026: USA vs. Australia (Seattle Stadium)
- June 25, 2026: USA vs. Türkiye (Los Angeles Stadium)
These three matches will determine whether the Americans can advance from the group and begin a knockout-stage run in front of a home crowd.
The American team benefits from being seeded as a co-host in the expanded tournament, which could keep them from playing an elite opponent until the round of 16.
The U.S. hopes to advance far in the tournament and show it is making progress in a sport that trails the NFL, MLB and NBA in popularity at home. The Americans are 1-7 in knockout World Cup matches, the only win over regional rival Mexico in 2002.
Since reaching the semifinals of the first World Cup in 1930, the furthest Team USA has advanced was the 2002 quarterfinals. While they have lost eight straight matches to European opponents since 2022, getting outscored 22-6, the Americans have a high level of confidence.
How to watch the World Cup
Outside of watching the championship on live TV, there are several options audiences can choose from to enjoy the soccer matches.
One free option is through FIFA+ and select YouTube streams. It will also be available for free on Australia’s SBS On Demand.
Other paid options include:
The Source: Information for this article was provided by FIFA, the U.S. Men's National Team, and previous FOX Local reporting. This story was reported from Orlando.