Setting the Stage
As Folarin Balogun addressed the media before the USA's Monday morning practice, he was just one goal behind the top scorers, including the incomparable Lionel Messi, at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, by the time he finished speaking, Messi had increased his lead with another two goals.
A Rapidly Changing Landscape
The 24-year-old Balogun, who took an early lead in the Golden Boot race with two goals in the Americans' tournament-opening win over Paraguay, has learned that things can change quickly at World Cups. 'It’s annoying,' Balogun joked before Messi scored both of defending champion Argentina’s goals in Monday’s 2-0 win against Austria.
The Challenge Ahead
Messi had a hat trick against Algeria in the previous game. Kylian Mbappé, who led all players with eight goals in Qatar four years ago, scored twice against Senegal in France’s opener and added two more in Les Blues' second match. Norway’s Erling Haaland also started the tournament with a brace and added another pair against Senegal. 'Seeing players like Messi and Mbappé, Haaland — they’re so inevitable,' Balogun said. 'They’re scoring a goal a game. Sometimes more.'
Keeping Pace
To keep up, Balogun must maintain his scoring pace. Although he was named Player of the Match in each of the USA’s first two games and created the own-goal that won the game against Australia, he didn’t score against the Socceroos and is unlikely to play in the final group stage game against Türkiye due to the risk of yellow card accumulation.
A Golden Opportunity
Considered one of the most complete strikers in U.S. history, Balogun has a chance to make history in the knockout round. 'For sure,' Balogun said when asked about targeting Landon Donovan’s U.S. record of five World Cup goals. 'I want to continue to score goals.' He also hasn’t ruled out the Golden Boot, aiming to score as consistently as Messi, Mbappé, and Haaland. 'For me, it's just about trying to get to that level,' he said. 'I’m sure I've got the potential in me to do that.'
