Former Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun could be a key part of Mauricio Pochettino’s plans at the 2026 World Cup
Folarin Balogun is emerging as one of the most exciting attacking options in the United States men’s national team setup ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The AS Monaco striker grew up in England but opted to represent the United States at international level, bringing pace, skill, and versatility to the USMNT attack.
Since committing to the United States in 2023, Balogun gone on to make 23 appearances for the national team, scoring eight goals. The 24-year-old is generally expected to be a starter at this summer’s tournament on home soil.
Who is Folarin Balogun?
Folarin Balogun was born in Brooklyn, New York to Nigerian parents, but his family moved to London, England, when he was just one month old.
He represented both England and the land of his birth at youth level, although mostly the former, including scoring seven goals in 13 games for England under-21s.
Balogun came through the Arsenal academy, progressing through the youth ranks and making his first-team debut in the 2020/21 season. Known for his pace, technique, and off-the-ball movement as a classic centre forward, he was seen as a hot prospect, but struggled to nail down a place in thr first team.
In August 2023, after loan spells at Middlesbrough and Reims, he left Arsenal permanently, joining Monaco for a reported fee of €30 million.
Folarin Balogun stats this season
In the 2025/26 season, Balogun has made 23 Ligue 1 appearances for Monaco, scoring nine goals and laying on five assists. He has also scored five goals in 10 Champions League appearances this season, which will have particularly caught the eyes of USMNT fans.
What position does Folarin Balogun play?
Balogun primarily operates as a striker but is capable of playing across the front line, including as a winger or supporting forward.
His versatility allows Mauricio Pochettino to deploy him in different tactical setups, whether in a central role or wider attacking positions.
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What nationality is Folarin Balogun?
Balogun was born in New York to Nigerian parents and grew up in London, England. He made the decision to commit to the USMNT in 2023 after mainly representing England at youth level, joining a wave of young dual-nationality talents in the squad.
Folarin Balogun salary and contract
Balogun is under contract with Monaco until June 30, 2028, with a reported weekly salary of €77,308, including variable bonuses and incentive-related payments.
Will Folarin Balogun play in the 2026 World Cup?
With his terrific goalscoring record in the Champions League and regular minutes in a major European league, Balogun is expected to play an important role for the USMNT at this summer’s World Cup.
He has particularly solidified his place in the team in the past year and earned praise from USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
“His work ethic is amazing in the way that he always is available in every single aspect of the game, with and without the ball,” Pochettino said of Balogun after the 1-1 draw with Ecuador back in October.
“I’m so pleased with his performance.”
The respect is mutual and Balogun has praised the way Pochettino has revamped the USMNT set-up and been a breath of fresh air for the national team. The US ended 2025 on a five-match unbeaten run with Balogun playing an important role.
“I think you have to give credit to Pochettino and his staff,” Balogun said in an interview with FIFA.
“They have created an atmosphere where nobody feels like their place is guaranteed. I think that is the most important thing you can do when you have such a big pool of players like the USA does.
“It was easy for maybe some guys who didn’t get previously called up to almost psychologically go into a place where you don’t feel like you can get picked, you don’t feel like your domestic league warrants you getting picked for the national team because that’s what you’ve been shown before.”
