Folarin Balogun arrived at the 2026 World Cup as the United States’ first choice striker, and he used the tournament to remind Europe’s bigger clubs exactly what he can do. Two goals in the opening win over Paraguay set the tone, even as the co-hosts sat outside most shortlists in the World Cup outright odds heading into the knockout rounds.
Balogun’s form could not carry the United States past the last sixteen, but a home World Cup was always going to be a platform, and he made the most of it.
In this article, we look at how the World Cup has lifted Balogun’s profile, and where he might go next.
A World Cup audition
Balogun could hardly have asked for a better start. He scored twice as the United States beat Paraguay 4-1, becoming the first American to score twice in a single World Cup match since 1930. He then had a hand in the opening goal of a 2-0 win over Australia that took Mauricio Pochettino’s side into the knockout rounds. He was named player of the match in both games. Leading the line for the hosts, he has looked the part on the biggest stage of his career.
That run was interrupted by a red card in the last-32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, for a foul on Tarik Muharemovic, which should have ruled him out of the last 16 against Belgium. FIFA suspended the ban, a decision that drew fierce criticism from fans across the world. Balogun was cleared to play, yet the USA lost 4-1, with Tillman scoring their only goal. It left a nagging question over how much difference he really made when the stakes were highest.
The Monaco question
Club football is where the story gets complicated. His rise has been quick, with a breakout loan at Reims in 2022-23 bringing 21 league goals before a permanent move to Monaco from Arsenal. Balogun was named Monaco’s Player of the Season in 2025-26 after finishing as their top scorer, but his contract runs only until 2028, and the club face a decision.
Let it run down, and his value falls; cash in now, and they protect the fee. Reports suggest Balogun himself favours a move, with early talks said to have taken place and Monaco looking for a fee of around £45m.
A Premier League return?
The most obvious destination is England. Balogun grew up in London, came through Arsenal’s academy, and counts as a homegrown player, which makes him appealing to Premier League clubs.
Everton have been linked, and there has even been talk of a return to Arsenal, who hold a 17.5% sell-on clause from his 2023 sale, but no buy-back option. Those keeping an eye on the football betting odds across the tournament will have noticed how much now rests on his finishing.
What’s most likely
A Premier League move feels the natural next step, given his background and the interest already reported, but nothing is settled. Monaco are under no real pressure to sell at a discount, and after his World Cup run, this could push his price higher still. Other European clubs and MLS sides have also been mentioned, so the field is wider than a straight return to England.
