Folarin Balogun
ASM
Nearing return after late preseason start
Balogun (undisclosed) could be available for Sunday's Ligue 1 opener against Le Havre or next week's Conference League playoff second leg against Gornik Zabrze, according to coach Filipe Luis. "He's just started preseason since he returned late from the World Cup with a small physical issue. He's trained again with the group and I hope he'll be back on the pitch soon because he's important for us."
Analysis: Balogun's preseason has been delayed after returning late from the World Cup with the United States due to a minor physical concern, though his return to full training marks encouraging progress. Monaco will need to weigh his readiness carefully given how little preparation time he's had compared to his teammates. Balogun is expected to be worked back in gradually once he's fully available, with Mika Biereth in line to lead the attack if Balogun ends up missing either match. His return would give new coach Filipe Luis another attacking option as the season begins.
Takes three shots against Belgium
Balogun recorded three shots (one on goal) in Monday's 4-1 loss to Belgium.
Analysis: Balogun got the nod up front as expected after having his suspension canceled following a red card in the previous round against Bosnia-Herzegovina. It wasn't an ideal outcome though, as the striker was held off the score sheet and couldn't help his side avoid a knockout defeat. That didn't prevent Balogun from finishing as the USMNT's most productive attacking threat with three goals and an average of 3.5 shots (1.2 on goal) per game across four matches played. He's now set to rejoin his club Monaco for the start of the 2026/27 campaign.
Available vs. Belgium
Balogun (suspension) will be available for Monday's Round of 16 match against Belgium, Dan Sheldon and Adam Crafton of The Athletic report.
Analysis: Balogun's red card has been suspended, as FIFA can do so in extraordinary circumstances, meaning the star striker will be available to face Belgium on Monday. This is a huge boost for the USMNT, as Balogun is their top-scoring threat. The Monaco star has three goals so far at the World Cup and scored the opener in the Round of 32 win over Bosnia.
Scores, shown shocking red card
Balogun scored one goal on four shots (one on target) before he was shown a red card in the 64th minute of Wednesday's match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Analysis: Balogun netted the opening goal of Wednesday's match as the USA jumped out to an early lead, a third goal this tournament for the forward. However, it was not all good for the forward, as after a clash of bodies that looked to be a regular foul at most, the referee turned to VAR, instead sending off Balogun in a shocking turn of events. This is a major loss for the USMNT and possibly the worst thing that could have happened while holding the lead, as he will now be ineligible for the following match if the USMNT qualifies for the round of 16. This would likely have Ricardo Pepi start at forward if they do advance, with Haji Wright as another option.
Generates own goal in win
Balogun generated two shots (zero on goal) in Friday's 2-0 win over Australia. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 89th minute.
Analysis: Balogun didn't find the back of the net in this one, though he did have a few chances where he could've done better. Still, a blistering run on the left wing allowed him to generate the play that led to Cameron Burgess' own goal with a dangerous low cross. With two goals and seven shots thus far in the World Cup, expect Balogun to remain the team's biggest scoring weapon in the upcoming fixtures.
Nets brace, off with muscle injury
Balogun recorded two goals on five shots before exiting the field in the 72nd due to an apparent muscle injury in Friday's match against Paraguay.
Analysis: Balogun had a start to the World Cup to dream of, as the forward netted two goals to earn a brace. He would first score in the 31st minute before adding another in stoppage time of the first half to give his team a 3-0 lead. He had a few more chances throughout the match, although he was not as productive once Christian Pulisic exited the field. There will be slight concern around Balogun, as he did appear to exit injured. However, he may have just had some fatigue, as the Paraguayan team was getting physical in the second half.
Likely to lead attacking line
Balogun should lead the attacking line for the USMNT in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Analysis: While there's a scenario in which Christian Pulisic might be deployed as a False 9 in a 4-3-3, conventional wisdom would suggest Balogun should be the striker. The AS Monaco star notched 18 goals and four assists across 40 appearances (36 starts) between the UEFA Champions League and Ligue 1 in 2025/26. The USMNT pool doesn't have any other player on the roster scoring goals at this rate and at this level, meaning Balogun is an easy choice to lead the line ahead of other available options such as Ricardo Pepi and Haji Wright.
Five shots in finale
Balogun had five shots (one on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and two chances created in Sunday's 5-4 defeat to Strasbourg.
Analysis: Balogun tried his very best to get involved in Sunday's nine-goal thriller, but none of his five shots found the back of the net. It was still a very productive season for the striker as he scored 13 goals and recorded four assists in 30 appearances (26 starts) in Ligue 1. He now heads into the World Cup with the United States where there's a good chance he will lead the attack on home soil.
Curling finish in win
Balogun scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) and one cross (one accurate) in Saturday's 2-1 win versus Metz.
Analysis: Balgoun's strike into the far corner of the net Saturday leveled the fixture at one before Monaco would pull away for a 2-1 win over Metz. The goal is a continuation of the veteran striker's extraordinary fun of form during which he's scored 11 goals and assisted once across his last 12 appearances (12 starts) in all competitions. Balgoun has played the full 90 minutes twice across his last 10 appearances (10 starts).
Nets equalizer on Sunday
Balogun scored one goal to go with four shots (three on goal) in Sunday's 2-2 draw versus AJ Auxerre.
Analysis: Balogun smartly converted a spot-kick to equalize in the 59th minute. He won the penalty himself and also won two duels. Currently on a hot streak, he has scored in each of his last eight appearances, bringing his total to 12 goals for the campaign. He will be looking to finish the season on a strong note.
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