The USMNT 's top performer at the FIFA World Cup is optimistic about the sport's future in the country despite a disappointing end to their tournament.
Balogun earned a lot of praise from fans for the way he performed for the USMNT during the FIFA World Cup, with his performance against Bosnia in particular earning huge plaudits.
And even with a crushing defeat to Belgium in the Round of 16, the AS Monaco striker has faith that the sport will grow massively in the years to come.
Photo by Henry Rodenburg/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Taking to X to finally respond after the USMNT's elimination from the FIFA World Cup, Folarin Balogun admitted that the heartbreaking loss came about because they weren't good enough.
However, the American standout has cause for optimism, as he believes soccer will grow to huge heights in the country in the years to come.
"My debut World Cup… It hurts to wait 4 years to compete at the highest level our sport has to offer. I want to say sorry to our fans.
"It was not good enough when it mattered most, and we let you down. Soccer in America will only become bigger.
"The belief, the talent, and the passion is continually growing and I know the best days are in front of us, the future belongs to those who never stop believing, this moment will fuel us.
"We will be back Why not us? For the nation. For the flag."
Unfortunately, Balogun's strong run at the FIFA World Cup, where he scored three goals, has been completely overshadowed by the controversy surrounding him and Donald Trump.
Balogun was sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina for a dubious challenge. The call was criticized, as many felt that it was an unfair red card.
However, where things took a drastic turn was when US President Donald Trump decided to intervene and reach out to FIFA President Gianni Infantino to try and overturn the call.
His effort was successful, as Balogun was allowed to play with a suspended ban. This move sparked a lot of criticism, as fans felt that this was FIFA succumbing to political pressure to overturn a sporting matter.
Despite Balogun's excellent performances at the FIFA World Cup, the focus on him became entirely about sporting decisions that were out of his hands.
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