Folarin Balogun became American citizen by accident after parents were denied New York flight

Folarin Balogun is leading the line for the United States in the 2026 World Cup, but he can only do so because of a remarkable twist of fate.

The 2026 World Cup is in full swing, as all 48 countries now playing at least one match, with England and Scotland both getting off to winning starts.

There have been promising signs from the host nations, too, as Mexico have already secured top spot in Group A, Canada battered Qatar 6-0 – though they lost Ismaël Koné to a horror leg break – and the USA won their opening match in style.

Mauricio Pochettino's side steamrolled Paraguay 4-1 in Los Angeles last week, with star striker Folarin Balogun scoring twice in between an own goal and Gio Reyna's late strike.

Balogun will be hoping to add to his tally when the USMNT face Australia on Friday, but he can only play for the States as he was unintentionally born in the country.

How Folarin Balogun can play for the USA

Balogun was born to Nigerian parents and grew up in London. He started his professional career at Premier League champions Arsenal, climbing up the ranks and making his senior debut before moving to Monaco in 2023.

Yet, by pure accident, he was born in the USA.

Balogun's mother was seven months pregnant when she took a trip to New York City and, as she was set to fly back to England, airline staff refused to let her board the plane due to safety concerns over her pregnancy, reports The Guardian.

As a result, the 24-year-old was born in Brooklyn and spent two months there before returning to London.

The chance location of his birth made Balogun eligible to play for the USA and he declared himself for the country, despite playing for England at multiple age levels, making his debut in June 2023.

When announcing he had chosen to play for America on his Instagram account, Balogun wrote: "So proud to be a part 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!"

Balogun was asked what swung his decision by The Athletic and revealed that the love from the fans made his choice 'easier.'

“I just remember (an) immense amount of appreciation from the fans,” the forward said. “I didn’t realise at that moment how big football-soccer was out here in America. To really feel that in full force was something that was inspirational for me. It made my decision easier.”

New rules for the FIFA World Cup 2026

This year, there’s been a whole host of rule changes, many of which are designed to speed up the game and penalize players who drag things out. Some of the new regulations are likely to prove controversial.

10-second substitution

Subbed players now have to get a move on and leave the pitch within ten seconds by the nearest exit point. If they haven’t, their replacement will get held up by one minute until the next stoppage of play, and until then, their side will have to play with 10 men.

5-second throw-ins and goal kicks

If a referee thinks a player is taking too long for a throw-in or goal kick, they’ll start a five-second countdown, by which time the ball needs to be back in play. If it’s not, for throw-ins the opposing team will get their own throw-in, or for a goal kick the other side gets a corner.

Injured players to remain off the pitch for one minute

An injured player treated by medical staff off-field has to stay off the pitch for one minute, leaving their side with just 10 players.

More VAR

VAR can now be used to review an incorrectly awarded corner kick; second yellow cards resulting in a red card; when a player is incorrectly awarded a yellow or red card for another player’s actions; and any attacking fouls that occur before the ball is in play.

Players can’t cover their mouths

Players who cover their mouths in confrontational situations will be handed a red card. It’s believed players might cover their mouths to guard against lip readers while racially abusing other players, which some suspect has happened in the past.

Red cards for players leaving the pitch

Any player who leaves the pitch in protest over a referee’s decision will be handed a red card, and if a team walks off and causes a match to be abandoned, they’ll forfeit the game.