USMNT Sensation Dethrones Christian Pulisic in Record-Breaking Champions League Triumph

United States men's national team striker Folarin Balogun guided Monaco to a 1–0 triumph against Galatasaray on Tuesday evening, etching his name into Champions League history in the process.

The 24-year-old made history as the first USMNT player to net goals in three straight Champions League matches. Balogun scored against Bodø/Glimt, Pafos and most recently Galatasaray to accomplish something even Christian Pulisic never achieved.

The strike wasn't spectacular from the American at Monaco's Stade Louis II, but it proved sufficient to claim all three points for the French club. Galatasaray goalkeeper Günay Güvenç couldn't handle a threatening inswinging corner kick, allowing Balogun the chance to steer home the match's sole goal.

Balogun has now netted six times in his past seven outings for both club and country. Following a disappointing 2024–25 campaign where the forward managed just four goals for Monaco, he's regaining his scoring touch at an ideal moment.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup sits just six months away, and the USMNT will require Balogun performing at peak level if the Stars and Stripes hope to make an impact on home turf next summer. Mauricio Pochettino's squad received a promising Group D assignment, facing Australia, Paraguay and the victor of UEFA Playoff C.

USMNT Starting Striker Battle Heats Up As 2026 World Cup Nears

During Copa América 2024, Balogun served as the clear focal point of the USMNT's attack. The American netted two of the squad's three tournament goals before the Stars and Stripes were eliminated in the group phase.

Injuries subsequently disrupted much of Balogun's 2024–25 season, sidelining him from USMNT consideration. During his unavailability, Haji Wright, Patrick Agyemang and Ricardo Pepi each rotated through the striker position under Pochettino's guidance.

Agyemang found the net twice during last summer's Gold Cup but ultimately couldn't make a lasting impression. Wright, however, scored twice in the U.S.'s 2–1 victory over Australia during October's international break, while Pepi has scored in his most recent three matches for PSV Eindhoven.

Balogun faces greater competition than before to maintain his spot in Pochettino's starting eleven, though his record-breaking Champions League scoring run will certainly strengthen his position.