Balogun: “For Sure” I’ll Chase Donovan’s US World Cup Scoring Record

Balogun admits golden boot dream as US Stars face rest vs Turkey  

Folarin Balogun has 2 goals in 2026 and eyes the Golden Boot. The ex-Arsenal forward also plans to break Landon Donovan’s record of 5 World Cup goals for the USA.

“I Want the Golden Boot” day Balogun as he sets sights on Messi & Mbappe...

USA forward Folarin Balogun has already scored twice at this World Cup, and now he’s aiming to match the “inevitable” finishers like Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappr in the Golden Boot chase.

Talking to reporters at the USMNT camp on Monday, Balogun said he wants the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer. But he also admitted it’s tough to keep up with how many goals the world’s best are scoring.

Right as he was speaking, Messi broke the all-time World Cup scoring record by netting his 4th of the tournament against Austria, then added a 5th soon after.

“I think it's annoying!” joked Balogun. “Seeing players like Messi, Mbappe, Haaland - they're so inevitable. I think they're scoring a goal a game, sometimes more.”

“For me, it's just about trying to get to that level - to be inevitable as well, to be consistent. And I'm sure I've got the potential in me to do that.“

Balogun was born in New York but developed through England’s setup, including Arsenal’s academy. He now leads the line for Monaco in Ligue 1.

He finished as Monaco’s top scorer last season with 19 goals, following a reported €40 million move to the club.

Balogun carried that momentum into the World Cup, scoring twice in the USA’s opening win over Paraguay. That performance only raised expectations for the host nation.

But chasing Messi and Mbappe for the Golden Boot won’t be easy. With the US already locked into first place in Group D, Mauricio Pochettino might rest his key players against Turkey on Thursday.

Balogun was booked against Australia, so another yellow would see him suspended for the USA’s first knockout match in San Francisco next week.

Back to work on a Monday! pic.twitter.com/nNzFrURlad

— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) June 22, 2026

Balogun said the manager “hasn't said anything to us” about managing minutes or avoiding cautions, but told reporters that he wants “to play every game.”

“That is the sort of player I am,” he said.

“I think the most important thing for a professional athlete in any sport is to be available. I'm no different, so, of course, I want to play.

“But it's also important to be smart. I wouldn't want to pick up a yellow card and miss the round of 32.”

Balogun also said he “for sure” plans to chase another record - Landon Donovan is still the USA’s all-time World Cup top scorer with five goals.

“Hopefully the further we go, the more opportunities I have to score,” he said.

“I mean, any goal in the World Cup is something that's going to be cherished forever.”