Folarin Balogun shines for US at 2026 World Cup and shares his fitness plan

Forward Folarin Balogun, born in Brooklyn and raised in London, chose to represent the United States after a youth career with Arsenal and stints at Middlesbrough, Reims and Monaco. He debuted for the USMNT in 2023 and, in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup against Paraguay, scored twice to become the first American player with a World Cup brace since 1930.

Balogun attributes his readiness to a regimen focused on constant running, full‑match play, and high‑intensity gym sessions. His diet centers on lean protein, carbs before training, and meals such as scrambled eggs with avocado and toast, supplemented by tea. He emphasizes staying pitch‑fit, consuming 5–6 meals a day, and using protein shakes and electrolytes to aid recovery.