After First Monaco Goal, Folarin Balogun Finally Reemerges on Soccer Stage; Can He Earn USMNT November Call?

A difficult stretch in the spotlight

Balogun rose to prominence during the USMNT’s World Cup run, scoring three goals in four appearances. The article says the team won its group and reached its first knockout-round victory in 24 years.

His tournament was also marked by controversy after a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina was reversed by FIFA before the Belgium match. Balogun later said outside attention had affected him and his teammates during their 4–1 defeat.

Transfer drama and limited minutes

Two months later, Balogun’s proposed move to Everton fell apart after he failed a medical evaluation. He ultimately stayed with Monaco, and the episode affected other transfer deals, according to the article.

A minor leg injury and the turmoil preceded a low-profile fall. Balogun was absent from the USMNT’s September-October camp and had appeared five times in Ligue 1, each time from the bench.

A goal before roster decisions

Balogun scored against Paris FC on Sunday, 20 minutes after entering at halftime. He ran between the center backs to redirect a cross, but Monaco lost 3–1. It was his first goal of the season and came more than two months into the 2026–27 campaign. Pochettino is expected to announce his November roster in the coming days, ahead of camp beginning Nov. 9; Balogun’s selection remains uncertain.