Folarin Balogun's scorching form for Monaco provides timely boost for USMNT
Folarin Balogun has emerged as one of European football's most in-form strikers at a crucial moment for the United States Men's National Team. The Monaco forward has scored eight goals in his last eight matches, including a spectacular winner against Marseille on Sunday, providing a significant boost to USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Balogun's resurgence comes after a difficult first half of the season, where he managed only eight goals in 29 appearances. His dramatic turnaround in form began in mid-February, coinciding with a tactical shift by Monaco head coach Sebastien Pocognoli to a 3-4-3 system. The change has placed the New York-born striker at the forefront of an attack that has propelled Monaco to seven consecutive Ligue 1 victories and five straight wins in all competitions.
According to reports from France, Balogun's improvement is also attributed to specialized work with former Belgium international Kevin Mirallas, who joined Monaco's coaching staff to rejuvenate the club's forwards. Pocognoli explained in March that Mirallas has worked extensively with Balogun on his finishing and mental resilience. The player himself acknowledged the impact, stating that Mirallas' daily focus on confidence and moving past missed opportunities has been instrumental.
French sports paper L'Equipe described Balogun as currently 'walking on water,' a sentiment underscored by his current streak of scoring in six consecutive Ligue 1 matches. This is the longest active scoring run in Europe's top five leagues and only two short of Kylian Mbappe's season record. His goal against Marseille, a delicate chip from a tight angle after a powerful run, was hailed by teammate Lamine Camara as one of the most beautiful he has witnessed.
For the USMNT, Balogun's peak form arrives at an ideal time. Pochettino's side suffered comprehensive friendly defeats to Belgium and Portugal in March, prompting a tactical rethink just months before the World Cup kicks off on home soil. Balogun, who committed his international future to the United States in 2023, now presents as a central figure in those revised plans, offering a proven goal threat that was conspicuously absent during the recent setbacks.
At club level, Balogun's goals have reignited Monaco's push for Champions League qualification. The 24-year-old, who joined Monaco from Arsenal in a deal worth up to €40 million in 2023, is finally delivering on the promise that prompted the significant investment. His current run suggests he is reaching his peak at the perfect moment for both his club and country, transforming from a struggling forward into Europe's hottest marksman as the season reaches its climax.
