National teams 02 October 2025, 18:37

Folarin Balogun is called up for two friendlies ahead of the 2026 World Cup

The Monaco striker has been called up to the US national team for two friendly matches against Ecuador on October 11 and Australia on the 15th.

He will now return to the American continent. Called up last month for the first time in more than a year, Folarin Balogun will not wait that long to return to the United States since he is on Mauricio Pochettino’s squad list for this international break. On the program are two friendlies against Ecuador, on October 11, and Australia, on the 15th.

October is officially on! 🫡

26 players have been called into camp for upcoming matches against Ecuador and Australia! 👇 pic.twitter.com/8ACD13updo

— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) October 2, 2025

A confirmed return to the Stars and Stripes

This provides the UMSNT with an opportunity to continue their rise to prominence and work on their form before the 2026 World Cup, which will be held on home soil in less than a year. As for the Monaco striker, these matches against these two teams, both qualified for the World Cup, could allow him to boost his already impressive statistics (6 goals and 4 assists in 19 appearances). Bravo, Balo! 🇺🇸

Balo doubles the advantage!#USMNT x @VW pic.twitter.com/DD765BQQGl

— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) September 10, 2025

📆 What’s ahead for the USMNT:

Saturday, October 11 (2:30 a.m.): United States vs. Ecuador at Q2 Stadium (Austin, USA)
Wednesday, October 15 (3 a.m.): United States vs. Australia at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park (Commerce City, USA)