Folarin Balogun is not playing for the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) against Peru today, September 26, 2026, in Orlando, Florida.
The American striker was not included in Mauricio Pochettino’s squad for the match as the forward continues working his way back physically and looks to regain consistent playing rhythm at the club level.
Why Is Folarin Balogun Not Playing vs Peru?
Balogun was left out of the USMNT roster for this international window rather than simply being ruled out shortly before kickoff.
The striker has recently dealt with injury issues and limited playing time. Pochettino indicated that Balogun was dealing with a minor leg issue, while his recent lack of consistent club minutes also factored into the decision not to include him.
As a result, Balogun is not available for selection against Peru.
Is Folarin Balogun Injured?
Balogun has been working his way back following injury problems and has not yet returned to the consistent playing rhythm normally expected of one of the USMNT’s leading striker options.
His absence against Peru appears to be about managing his physical condition and giving him additional time to regain form rather than a long-term removal from the national-team picture.
Balogun Was Not Called Into the USMNT Squad
Balogun’s absence is important because he was not simply left out of the starting lineup. He was not called into the squad for this international window.
That means Pochettino will have to rely on other attacking options as the United States continues preparing for upcoming international competition.
The USMNT’s striker depth has also been affected by Ricardo Pepi’s injury. Pepi was initially selected before suffering an injury with PSV, leading to Damion Downs being brought into the squad as his replacement.
USMNT Gets Chance to Evaluate Younger Forwards
Without Balogun and Pepi available, the Peru match gives Pochettino an opportunity to evaluate some of the younger attacking talent in the U.S. player pool.
Players including Damion Downs, Julian Hall, Justin Ellis, Cole Campbell and Cavan Sullivan provide the USMNT with different attacking options during the international window.
For Pochettino, these matches can provide valuable information about which young players are ready to compete for larger roles moving forward.
When and Where Is USMNT vs Peru?
The United States faces Peru on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida.
Match: United States vs Peru
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Location: Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando, Florida
Kickoff: 4:30 p.m. ET
Will Folarin Balogun Return to the USMNT?
Balogun remains an important striker option for the United States when healthy and playing regularly.
His absence against Peru should therefore be viewed in the context of his recent physical condition and playing time rather than as an indication that he has fallen completely out of Pochettino’s plans.
Getting healthy and establishing consistent club minutes will be important as Balogun looks to return to the USMNT lineup.