Folarin Balogun Returns to USMNT Squad After Ending Monaco Goal Drought
A difficult few months at Monaco have finally brought some good news for Folarin Balogun. Fresh off his first goal of the season, the striker is back in Mauricio Pochettino's United States squad for a crucial Nations League showdown with Haiti.
For Folarin Balogun, the timing could hardly have been better.
After struggling for minutes and fitness during the opening months of the campaign, the American forward finally scored his first goal of the 2026-27 season for AS Monaco. It came in a 3-1 defeat to Paris FC, but the goal offered a welcome change in a frustrating spell.
Balogun replaced Paris Brunner at halftime and needed just 20 minutes to make his mark. In the 65th minute, he met a cross from Vanderson and got ahead of the defenders to turn the ball home.
Monaco were already trailing 2-0 following a brace from Lassine Sinayoko. Although Balogun briefly gave his side hope, Pablo Pagis later sealed the result for Paris FC.
Now, that long-awaited goal has been followed by another encouraging development: Mauricio Pochettino has included Balogun in the United States squad to face Haiti in the Concacaf Nations League.
From an Uncertain Summer to Another USMNT Opportunity
Balogun's return to international duty comes after a turbulent period at club level.
Following the 2026 World Cup, the striker came close to leaving Monaco for Everton, only for the transfer to collapse on deadline day.
A knee injury and limited playing time complicated matters further. Before facing Paris FC, he had made just four league appearances, all from the bench.
That was a sharp contrast to the previous season, when he scored 19 goals across all competitions, including an impressive run of 11 goals in 11 matches between February and May.
Ligue 1 Representation Goes Beyond Balogun
Balogun is not the only player connected to French football in Pochettino's latest selection.
Bryan Reynolds of Stade Rennais has been included among the defenders, while Gio Reyna of RC Strasbourg is part of the midfield group.
The three players bring a Ligue 1 connection to a United States squad that also features Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams and Sergiño Dest.
United States Face Haiti With a Semifinal Place at Stake
The United States will meet Haiti in a two-legged Concacaf Nations League tie, with a place in the semifinals on the line.
The first leg takes place on November 14 at Nu Stadium in Miami, where Haiti will be the designated home team because matches cannot currently be played in the country.
The return leg is scheduled for November 17 in Cincinnati, with the United States hosting the decisive encounter.
Mauricio Pochettino's Full USMNT Squad
Goalkeepers: Matt Freese (New York City FC), Diego Kochen (Lyngby Boldklub), Brian Schwake (Nashville SC).
Defenders: Reed Baker-Whiting (Nashville SC), George Campbell (West Bromwich Albion FC), Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven), Alex Freeman (Villarreal), Neil Pierre (Philadelphia Union), Bryan Reynolds (Stade Rennais), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Auston Trusty (Celtic).
Midfielders: Tyler Adams (AFC Bournemouth), Mathis Albert (Borussia Dortmund), Sebastian Berhalter (Middlesbrough), Santiago Castañeda (SC Paderborn), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Adri Mehmeti (Red Bull New York), Gio Reyna (RC Strasbourg Alsace), Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen).
Forwards: Folarin Balogun (Monaco), Justin Ellis (Orlando City SC), Julian Hall (Red Bull New York), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Cavan Sullivan (Philadelphia Union).
Three Things to Know About Balogun's USMNT Return
- A goal at the right moment: Balogun ended his scoring drought against Paris FC before receiving his national team call-up.
- Three Ligue 1 connections: Balogun, Bryan Reynolds and Gio Reyna are among Pochettino's selections.
- A semifinal berth at stake: The United States face Haiti on November 14 in Miami and November 17 in Cincinnati.
