Folarin Balogun was left off the United States men's national team roster for its first four games following the 2026 World Cup, with manager Mauricio Pochettino alluding to a minor leg issue and the striker's
unsettled club situation.
The 25-year-old had a breakout World Cup for the USMNT, scoring twice in the team's rousing opening win over Paraguay and then again in the round of 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Balogun became the center of a worldwide controversy after receiving a red card in the knockout victory over Bosnia, with FIFA shockingly choosing to reverse his automatic one-game suspension for the round of 16 – after lobbying from U.S. President Donald Trump. The decision was widely condemned by other countries as well as UEFA, soccer's governing body in Europe.
With the red card overturned, Balogun started the USMNT's round of 16 loss to Belgium, ending the team's World Cup.
At the summer transfer deadline, Balogun appeared to be heading to join Everton in the English Premier League, but the move from Monaco fell through at the last minute.
"We have some conversations about how he is, how he feels that he need to move on," Pochettino told reporters on Thursday, Sept. 17.
"It was very nice conversation. Now he is focused on trying to recover a little bit from a small issue in one of his legs. Last week he nearly was training normally, and we'll see if he can play as soon as possible in his club."
Balogun could feature against Lens on Friday, Sept. 18, according to Monaco coach Filipe Luis.
“He is regaining his physical condition. He is very close to being back. He could be ready for this game," Luis said at a press conference on Wednesday, Sept. 16.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why isn't Folarin Balogun on USMNT roster? World Cup star not among call-ups
