Folarin Balogun remains key for USMNT ahead of World Cup
Yahoo Sports • 2 min read • Latest: Jun 10, 2026, 10:00 AM
Last updated Jun 10, 2026
Folarin Balogun is set to be a central figure for the United States at the World Cup following a successful club season at Monaco where he scored 13 goals, ranking fourth in Ligue 1. His ability to create space and draw defenders has been crucial, even when he has not consistently received the ball in buildup play. Balogun has played significant minutes in recent friendlies, showcasing his quick movement and flexibility, although he sometimes finds himself isolated due to the team's attacking strategies. Upcoming matches against Paraguay present an opportunity for Balogun to further solidify his role as the US striker.
- •Balogun scored 13 goals for Monaco this past season.
- •He has been a focal point in 10 USMNT friendlies since last summer.
- •Recent games have highlighted the team's attacking strategy challenges.
- •USMNT plays Paraguay next in the World Cup group stage.
- 10:00 AMYahoo Sports — Folarin Balogun is the USMNT’s focal point, whether he’s getting touches or not
- 10:00 AMThe Guardian Sport — Folarin Balogun is the USMNT’s focal point, whether he’s getting touches or not
"The Monaco striker’s impact on the US attack will vary depending on how the team builds up, and where that buildup happens • Free newsletter | Daily podcast | Download our app Some strikers are gregarious personalities who ensure attention even when they struggle. Folarin Balogun prefers to speak softly and maintain a healthy goalscoring record. The 24-year-old has still been making himself known to his country of birth – he was born in New York but raised in London – after committing to the US over England and Nigeria. This past season, he finished fourth in Ligue 1 scoring with 13 goals, priming him for an emergent World Cup on home soil. Balogun’s recruitment was closely monitored by US fans, desperate for a dependable goalscorer. Continue reading...
"The Monaco striker’s impact on the US attack will vary depending on how the team builds up, and where that buildup happens . Free newsletter | Daily podcast | Download our app
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 10, 2026, 10:00 AMFolarin Balogun is the USMNT’s focal point, whether he’s getting touches or not
The Monaco striker’s impact on the US attack will vary depending on how the team builds up, and where that buildup happens . Free newsletter | Daily podcast | Download our app
- The Guardian SportJun 10, 2026, 10:00 AMFolarin Balogun is the USMNT’s focal point, whether he’s getting touches or not
The Monaco striker’s impact on the US attack will vary depending on how the team builds up, and where that buildup happens • Free newsletter | Daily podcast | Download our app Some strikers are gregarious personalities who ensure attention even when they struggle. Folarin Balogun prefers to speak softly and maintain a healthy goalscoring record. The 24-year-old has still been making himself known to his country of birth – he was born in New York but raised in London – after committing to the US over England and Nigeria. This past season, he finished fourth in Ligue 1 scoring with 13 goals, priming him for an emergent World Cup on home soil. Balogun’s recruitment was closely monitored by US fans, desperate for a dependable goalscorer. Continue reading...
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