Balogun, Pulisic headline USMNT CNL roster

Nigeria born former England junior international Folarin Balogun who recently chose to pledge allegiance to the USA, has been listed for in the USMNT ahead of Concacaf Nations League.

Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Folarin Balogun headline the 24-player U.S. roster that will prepare for the final four of the Concacaf Nations League.

The men’s national team roster marks the first under interim manager B.J. Callaghan, who was appointed earlier this week after predecessor Anthony Hudson departed to take up a managerial post with an unidentified club in the Middle East.

Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams is injured and did not make the squad. Adams was listed on the preliminary roster last month despite undergoing hamstring surgery in March, ruling him out for the rest of the Premier League season.

The players will begin reporting to Los Angeles on Sunday for training camp.

The final, 23-player roster won’t be official until submitted to Concacaf, which is required no later than Monday. The U.S. is set to square off against rival Mexico on June 15.

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Balogun will be taking part in his first U.S. camp since filing a one-time change of association with FIFA to represent the country.

He is coming off a stellar season while on loan with Stade de Reims, scoring 21 goals in all competitions. He is expected to make his debut against El Tri.

“I can tell you that his commitment to the U.S. is unwavering,” Callaghan told media of Balogun. “He’s excited to come in with the group. He’s someone that I spoke to about embracing the brotherhood that we have. It’s a welcoming environment. The guys are going to welcome him in. They’re all excited and he’s excited.