Both at club and international level, he's been clinically efficient in 2026! Having just completed a stellar second half of the season with Monaco, notably scoring in eight consecutive Ligue 1 matches, Folarin Balogun hasn't slowed down with his country. Selected for Team USA to compete in the World Cup on home soil, the Monaco number 9 impressed during the team's first friendly.
Three Monaco players face off 🤝
Despite starting on the bench in the friendly match between the United States and Senegal, with Lamine Camara and Krépin Diatta both in the starting lineup for the African champions, Balo took advantage of the extensive squad rotation to make his mark. Coming on at halftime when the Monaco midfielder was substituted, to earn his 26th cap, the American striker needed only 17 minutes to find the back of the net.
Right place, right time 🎯
While the Lions of Teranga had leveled the score (2-2) after trailing by two goals, Timothy Weah broke forward on the right and delivered a first-time cross towards Balogoal, who capitalized on a poor clearance to perfectly place his shot into the bottom corner (3-2, 63')! It was his ninth international goal, by the way, securing a symbolic but mentally important victory for the "Stars and Stripes" ahead of the World Cup.
This is a huge opportunity, and there's an immense sense of pride. I'm really looking forward to representing America on home soil and making the country proud. This is the biggest sporting event in the world. There will be millions, maybe even billions, of viewers, so it's a great opportunity for me to showcase my talent. I'm very excited!
Folarin Balogun, on his call-up
Zakaria's Switzerland on the right track 🇨🇭
It's worth noting that Krépin Diatta played the entire match in a right-sided central defensive position in a three-man backline. Meanwhile, his AS Monaco captain, Denis Zakaria, started for Switzerland and played the first half of the Nati's comfortable 4-1 victory over Jordan. The opening goal was scored by former Monaco player Breel Embolo.
