Birthright Citizenship Influences US Soccer Success at World Cup

Folarin Balogun celebrated with his teammates after netting the third goal for the United States in their impressive 4-1 victory against Paraguay on June 12, 2026, at the Los Angeles Stadium. This World Cup run is notably intertwined with the ongoing debate surrounding birthright citizenship in the U.S.

Historically, anyone born in the United States automatically obtains citizenship. However, former President Donald Trump has pushed to change this, aiming to restrict citizenship rights to children born to American citizens or lawful permanent residents. As the Supreme Court deliberates on this contentious issue, Balogun's remarkable story stands out as a vivid representation of the ongoing discourse.

Balogun’s path to American citizenship was unexpected; his mother visited the U.S. to see her sister but ended up giving birth in New York due to travel restrictions related to her pregnancy. "I was born in New York," Balogun recounted in an Instagram video. Although he spent his early years in London, he embraced his American citizenship and chose to represent the United States in international soccer, despite his British upbringing.

The World Cup co-hosts— the United States, Canada, and Mexico— are among a few nations that offer automatic citizenship to children born on their soil. Balogun’s situation highlights how migration and citizenship policies can influence talent in sports, with experts noting that many players in this World Cup were born outside of the countries they represent.

Indeed, approximately 25% of players at this tournament come from different birthplaces than their national teams. The intersection of migration and sports has become increasingly relevant, with diaspora communities expanding player pools across the globe. The American squad reflects this, as half of its 26 players hold dual citizenship, including Tim Weah, the son of Liberia's football legend and current president, George Weah.