Raúl Jiménez and Folarin Balogun on fire ahead of World Cup
Both strikers, from Mexico and the United States, respectively, are showing form ahead of pre-World Cup matches.
Mexico and the United States are preparing to host a World Cup and, as a result, both teams want the strongest possible squads heading into the tournament.
The names of Folarin Balogun and Raúl Jiménez continue to generate buzz. One is still trying to establish himself with his national team, while the other is aiming to reach peak form ahead of the World Cup. One of their key strengths is their excellent penalty-taking ability. Both rarely miss and, before the March FIFA international break that begins next week, each converted from the spot.
The Monaco striker entered the international break in excellent form, with seven goals in his last seven matches for the club from the principality.
During Sunday’s match against Olympique Lyonnais, the Brooklyn-born forward scored a penalty in his team’s victory. The only other recent match in which the American found the net came against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
Folarin Balogun rocking the new USA kit! 🇺🇸 🔥
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) March 16, 2026
📸 @USMNT pic.twitter.com/ZGlD9CmgvY
After going through difficult family circumstances in recent days, the Jiménez was given another opportunity to score.
It came during the match between Fulham and Burnley, where the Mexican striker scored the third goal for the London side. With a precise finish, the player from Hidalgo once again celebrated a goal from the penalty spot.
In what will be the final international window before the World Cup, the United States and Mexico both have two important matches ahead. Each team will face Belgium and Portugal. The United States will play Belgium and Portugal on March 28 and 31 respectively, while Mexico will face the same opponents on the same dates.
🇲🇽✅ Raul Jimenez (34) has taken the MOST Premier League penalties without ever missing one! 14/14 penalties. 100% record. 🥇 pic.twitter.com/ta8zZLJQ4y
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) March 21, 2026
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