LAS VEGAS, NV — Folarin Balogun scored his first goal since joining the USMNT (United States Men’s National Team), and the United States defeated Canada in the CONCACAF Nations League Final to bring home the Title. After two first-half goals put the United States up 2-0, solid defense and some excellent keeping from Matt Turner held off any semblance of a Canadian comeback. The USMNT won 2-0.
Sunday’s victory marks the second Nations League title in a row for the United States. The team Head coach B.J. Callaghan fielded also represented the youngest team ever fielded in a final, with the average age being 24 years old and featuring seven players 23 or younger. One of those young players was Folarin Balogun. The New York City-born player was raised in England and represented both the United States and England in the U-21 leagues. The 21-year-old made a one-time switch to play for the United States National team in May of 2023. The talented forward plays professionally in Europe and scored 22 goals in 39 games in all competitions for French League 1 club Reims last season, the most ever for an American in a top-five European league.
When asked about the youth of his squad on Sunday, Coach Callaghan said it was on purpose. "We're looking beyond to the 2026 World Cup, and we need to perform in high-intensity knockout games," Callaghan said. "That's something that we learned from the World Cup."
After the United States took the lead on a header from Chris Richards in the 12th minute. Gio Reyna picked up his second assist on a through pass near the box to Balogun. The young forward took the pass and sent a rocket into the back of the net to make the score 2-0. It was Bolgun’s first goal on the international stage for the United States. Chris Richards also scored his first international goal for the United States in the Final. Watch both of the USMNT's goals below:
"I've only been here a short amount of time, but already I feel a part of it, and I feel a part of something bigger," Balogun said after the match.
Canada looked dangerous at times in the second half, but Matt Turner turned the Canadians away at every turn. Turner had four saves in the match. After the final ended, Captain and forward Christian Pulisic was named the tournament’s Best Player, and goalkeeper Matt Turner took Best Goalkeeper honors.
Next up for the USMNT is the CONCACAF Gold Cup. The United States won the last Gold Cup back in 2021. Their first match is in the Group Stage on Saturday, June 24, at 8:30 p.m.
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