U.S. Men’s Soccer Team Adds Folarin Balogun for September Matches: Full Roster, Injury Update, and Match Preview
Introduction
When Mauricio Pochettino announced the U.S. Men’s National Team lineup for the September international window, the headline-grabber was Folarin Balogun’s unexpected recall. This call-up marks his return from injury and underscores the strategic push to bolster forward options ahead of the 2026 World Cup cycle. In this article, we will explore who Balogun is and why he earned this spot, break down the full roster by position, preview friendlies against South Korea and Japan with dates and broadcast details, analyze Pochettino’s evolving coaching philosophy, assess forward depth implications, guide fans on how to follow every match, and outline the next steps for USMNT’s World Cup preparations. By the end, readers will have a complete picture of the September window’s significance and what lies ahead for American soccer.
Who Is Folarin Balogun and Why Was He Added to the USMNT September Roster?
Folarin Balogun is an American forward who developed through Arsenal’s academy before starring for AS Monaco in Ligue 1. His blend of pace, finishing instincts, and hold-up play convinced coach Pochettino to reintegrate him after Brian White’s ankle setback. Balogun’s dual-national journey—switching allegiance from England’s youth sides to the USMNT—adds depth to a forward corps vying for spots at the 2026 World Cup.
What Is Folarin Balogun’s Injury History and Current Fitness Status?
Balogun overcame a shoulder injury sustained during Monaco’s late-season fixtures, followed by minor muscle tightness that sidelined him briefly but did not recur. His medical clearance came after targeted rehabilitation, which restored full match sharpness and confidence.
Balogun’s complete fitness ahead of September friendlies sets the stage for immediate impact in training sessions and matchday rotations.
How Has Balogun Performed at AS Monaco Leading to His Call-Up?
During the current season, Balogun scored four goals and provided one assist across 13 Ligue 1 appearances. His expected goals (xG) per 90 minutes ranks in Monaco’s top three, reflecting clinical finishing and smart positioning.
- Averaged 0.31 goals per 90 minutes, showcasing consistent goal threat.
- Recorded a key pass in 0.23 of matches, linking up well with wide attackers.
- Won 2.1 aerial duels per game, highlighting strength in hold-up play.
These metrics demonstrate why Pochettino values Balogun’s scoring instincts and physical profile for international duties.
What Role Will Balogun Play in the USMNT Attack This September?
Balogun will primarily operate as a central striker in Pochettino’s preferred 4-2-3-1, alternating with Josh Sargent to maintain high pressing and attacking fluidity. His ability to drift wide and occupy defenders opens channels for Christian Pulisic and Damion Downs to exploit spaces behind.
- Serve as a focal point for through balls and crosses.
- Press defenders to force turnovers in the opponent’s half.
- Link play with midfield runners like Giovanni Reyna to create scoring opportunities.
This tactical versatility enhances USMNT’s forward options and ensures sustained attacking pressure.
What Does the Full USMNT September Roster Look Like?
The September squad features 22 players stretching across established veterans and emerging talents. This selection balances continuity with experimentation, aligning with Pochettino’s long-term vision.
Who Are the Goalkeepers Called Up for September Friendlies?
Below are the goalkeepers chosen to guard the net against South Korea and Japan.
- Matt Turner (Nottingham Forest, 18 caps)
- Zack Steffen (PSV Eindhoven, 20 caps)
- Ethan Horvath (Luton Town, 11 caps)
Which Defenders Are Included in the September Squad?
A mix of versatility and youth shapes the defensive lineup.
- Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven, 36 caps)
- Tim Ream (Fulham, 60 caps)
- Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC, 47 caps)
- Antonee Robinson (Fulham, 30 caps)
Who Are the Midfielders on the USMNT September Roster?
The midfield hosts creative playmakers and dynamic box-to-box operators.
- Weston McKennie (Juventus, 56 caps)
- Tyler Adams (Bayer Leverkusen, 52 caps)
- Yunus Musah (AC Milan, 15 caps)
- Kellyn Acosta (Los Angeles FC, 36 caps)
Which Forwards Are Competing for Playing Time Alongside Balogun?
Forwards from various leagues vie for limited minutes in friendlies.
- Christian Pulisic (AC Milan, 55 caps)
- Josh Sargent (Norwich City, 22 caps)
- Giovanni Reyna (Borussia Dortmund, 14 caps)
- Damion Downs (Fortuna Düsseldorf, 1 cap)
When and Where Are the USMNT September Friendlies Against South Korea and Japan?
USMNT’s September slate includes two high-profile home friendlies to test tactical cohesion.
What Are the Dates, Venues, and Broadcast Details for Each Match?
How Do South Korea and Japan Compare as Opponents for the USMNT?
South Korea’s rapid transitions challenge defensive concentration, while Japan’s possession-based structure tests midfield control. Key players include Son Heung-min for Korea and Takumi Minamino for Japan. These matches will expose USMNT’s adaptability against top Asian competition and inform tactical adjustments.
What Is the Historical Head-to-Head Record Between USMNT and These Teams?
In 18 meetings with South Korea, the USMNT holds eight wins, five draws, and five losses. Against Japan, they share a record of 5-4-6.
How Is Mauricio Pochettino Shaping the USMNT Ahead of the 2026 World Cup?
Mauricio Pochettino emphasizes a balanced roster that cultivates youth while retaining proven performers. This philosophy underpins every selection, match tactic, and player development initiative leading into major tournaments.
What Is Pochettino’s Roster Philosophy for the September Window?
Pochettino prioritizes tactical understanding, physical resilience, and positional adaptability. He integrates emerging talents like Yunus Musah and Damion Downs to foster a pipeline of players familiar with his pressing systems, while maintaining veterans to provide match experience and leadership.
How Does Balogun Fit Into Pochettino’s Tactical Vision?
Balogun’s skill set aligns with Pochettino’s demand for high-intensity forward play. His movement off the ball and clinical finishing mirror the requirements for a modern striker who initiates pressing triggers and capitalizes on transitional chances, making him a natural addition to the coach’s strategic blueprint.
What Are the Key Takeaways from the September Call-Ups and Matches?
September’s selections showcase a balanced blend of continuity and innovation. The coach’s emphasis on flexibility, depth, and tactical cohesion suggests a team poised to evolve rapidly before the Gold Cup and the 2026 World Cup, with every friendly serving as a crucial evaluation platform.
What Is the Significance of Balogun’s Return for USMNT’s Forward Depth?
Balogun’s reintegration strengthens an already competitive forward lineup and provides a dynamic option capable of altering game rhythms and injecting fresh energy into attack.
How Does Balogun’s Addition Affect Competition Among USMNT Forwards?
Adding Balogun raises internal benchmarks, compelling established forwards to sharpen movements, finishing, and pressing. Heightened competition ensures consistent training intensity and performance accountability across all attacking roles.
What Are the Implications for USMNT’s Attack in Upcoming Tournaments?
A deeper forward pool benefits USMNT’s rotation strategy during the Gold Cup and 2026 World Cup, reducing fatigue risks and enabling tactical shifts. Balogun’s presence offers coach Pochettino an additional dimension in high-stakes scenarios.
How Can Fans Follow the USMNT September Matches and Player Updates?
Engaged followership amplifies team momentum and solidifies supporter bonds, both nationally and internationally.
Where Can Fans Watch or Stream the USMNT Friendlies?
Matches will be broadcast on TNT, Telemundo, Max, Universo, and Peacock for the South Korea game, and on TNT, Max, Universo, and Peacock for the Japan game. International viewers can access feeds through their local sports networks.
How to Track Player Performance and Injury Updates During September?
Official US Soccer social channels provide live training clips, lineup announcements, and real-time injury news. Dedicated sports analytics platforms offer match ratings, heat maps, and advanced metrics to gauge individual contributions throughout the friendlies.
What Are the Next Steps for the USMNT After the September International Window?
Following these matches, the USMNT will analyze performance data to refine tactics and finalize rosters for the November qualifiers and the 2025 Gold Cup. The coaching staff will monitor player fitness and club form before announcing the next call-up.
How Will September Matches Influence 2026 World Cup Preparations?
Insights gained from opponent analysis and formation experiments will guide squad selection and tactical adjustments for World Cup qualifiers, ensuring that only the most cohesive and effective combinations advance.
When Is the Next USMNT Call-Up and Match Schedule?
The next international window is set for November 2025, featuring CONCACAF qualifiers and high-profile friendlies. An official schedule will be released in early October, allowing clubs and fans to calibrate calendars in preparation.
Folarin Balogun’s September recall not only marks his personal milestone but also signals USMNT’s deepening forward options as it accelerates toward 2026. By blending established stars with emerging talents, Mauricio Pochettino is crafting a versatile squad capable of adapting to diverse tactical challenges. Fans will have ample opportunity to witness these developments on TNT, Telemundo, Max, Universo, and Peacock before November call-ups reshape the final push toward global competition.