Many U.S. men’s national team players are seeking to make a positive impression under Mauricio Pochettino during the September international window, and for the first time under the Argentine, Folarin Balogun will have his opportunity.
Balogun is in USMNT camp ahead of upcoming home friendlies against South Korea and Japan. The Monaco forward is seeking his first USMNT cap since September 2024 after missing out on the CONCACAF Gold Cup earlier this summer due to an ankle injury.
Balogun originally wasn’t on Pochettino’s first-choice roster for the matches, but an injury to Vancouver Whitecaps forward Brian White paved the way for the striker to enter the fold. Now with his first opportunity under Pochettino taking place in camp, Balogun voiced his self-confidence and excitement.
“I’m in a good shape, and in a good way,” Balogun said in a conference call on Wednesday when asked about his return to full fitness. “It was a tough period, but I think every athlete goes through that at some stage.
“I got the call, I can’t remember the date, exactly, but it was a bit late,” Balogun added. “I was really happy. It was important for me to be back with the team.”
Since committing to the USMNT, Balogun has scored five goals and added four assists in 17 caps. Balogun scored twice in last summer’s Copa America and also found the back of the net during the USMNT’s run to the CONCACAF Nations League title in 2023.
However, it’s been close to 15 months since the 24-year-old has celebrated an international goal, which has led to other forwards earning opportunities in Balogun’s absence. With not many matches left until the USMNT begins their World Cup schedule, Balogun knows the importance of making his opportunities count, but also to not over-do it in camp.
“Everyone wants to make an impression,” Balogun said. “And I think that’s just natural, with such a big competition coming in 10 months, it’s important to leave your mark. That’s part of the psychology, to not overdo it, because things will just become more complicated. The harder you try sometimes, the more difficult it is.”
Balogun has entered camp fresh off of scoring his first goal for Monaco this season in a 3-2 victory over Strasbourg. The former Arsenal product made his 50th-career appearance for the Ligue 1 side, where he’s tallied 13 goals since joining back in August 2023.
He is joined by red-hot Norwich City forward Josh Sargent and Southampton striker Damion Downs in the fight for minutes at the No. 9 position. Although both Sargent and Downs have featured more recently than Balogun for the USMNT, he isn’t afraid of the competition that will come over the next 10 months.
“It’s something I’ve been doing all my career, fighting for my position and fighting to get in teams,” Balogun said. “I believe that’s a balance that comes naturally to me.”