Crypto Markets Cash In on Balogun's World Cup Debut

Folarin Balogun's impressive performance in the USMNT's World Cup opener has made him a hot commodity in crypto prediction markets. The young striker scored twice against Paraguay on June 12, becoming the first American to net multiple goals in a World Cup match since 1930.

The +200 to +300 odds on Balogun scoring meant the market wasn't exactly confident in his chances, but successful bettors walked away with two to three times their original stakes. This made Balogun one of the more profitable individual-player bets of the tournament's opening round.

Balogun's connection to the USMNT exists through birthright citizenship, a technicality that turned into one of the most consequential roster decisions in recent American soccer history. He was eligible to represent England or Nigeria as well, making his commitment to the US a genuine three-way recruitment win.