National teams 28 August 2025, 15:10

Folarin Balogun joins the USMNT for two friendlies

The American striker of AS Monaco has just been called up to the national team again after several months of absence, to play two friendly matches with Team USA ahead of the 2026 World Cup held on home soil.

He’s back! While his last match with the “Stars and Stripes” was in September 2024 due to his absence due to injury, Folarin Balogun is now making his big comeback with the United States. The Monaco striker (49 matches, 12 goals and 4 assists) has been called up by Mauricio Pochettino to play two friendly matches during the September international break.

TEAM NEWS: Folarin Balogun has been added to the #USMNT roster for September camp! https://t.co/uC4qjG6IeW pic.twitter.com/gg9THJAPBm

— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) August 27, 2025

Reuniting with a teammate

A year later, Balo’ will return to his compatriots to face South Korea (Saturday, September 6) and his AS Monaco teammate, Takumi Minamino, against Japan (Wednesday, September 10). These are two good tests ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted partly on American soil from June 11 to July 19. This will be an opportunity for the Monaco striker to regain his form.

Recently a starter against Lille in Ligue 1 McDonald’s, the Rouge et Blanc number 9 has to date 17 caps with thte USMNT (5 goals). Daghe Balo’! 🇺🇸

📆 The USMNT schedule:

Friendlies:

Saturday, September 6 (11 p.m.): United States vs. South Korea at Red Bull Arena in New Jersey, USA
Wednesday, September 10 (1:30 a.m.): United States vs. Japan at Lower.com Field (Columbus, USA)