USMNT's Striker Battle Heats Up Ahead of 2026 World Cup
Ricardo Pepi (left) and Folarin Balogun (right) are jockeying for the top striker role with Mauricio Pochettino’s (center) USMNT.

Image: Si
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, U.S. men's national team manager Mauricio Pochettino prepares to finalize his roster. Key strikers vying for a spot include Ricardo Pepi, Folarin Balogun, and Haji Wright, each showcasing impressive performances in their respective leagues. The final 26-player squad will be announced soon.
- 01Mauricio Pochettino will announce the final 26-player roster for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday evening in New York City.
- 02Folarin Balogun has scored 19 goals across all competitions this season, making him a leading candidate for the striker position.
- 03Ricardo Pepi has returned from injury to net 19 goals and 2 assists for PSV Eindhoven this season.
- 04Haji Wright played a crucial role in Coventry City's promotion to the Premier League, scoring 17 goals in the English Championship.
- 05Julian Hall, an 18-year-old forward, is making waves in MLS with 9 goals and 2 assists, despite being uncapped at the senior level.
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With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, U.S. men's national team (USMNT) manager Mauricio Pochettino is set to unveil his final 26-player roster soon. The preliminary list includes several forwards vying for a spot, with Folarin Balogun of AS Monaco emerging as a standout candidate. Balogun has been in excellent form, scoring 19 goals and providing 5 assists in 43 matches across multiple competitions. His versatility and strong defensive work rate make him a top choice for Pochettino. Another key contender is Ricardo Pepi of PSV Eindhoven, who, despite a mid-season injury, has scored 19 goals in 1,706 minutes of play. Haji Wright, who helped Coventry City secure promotion to the Premier League with 17 goals, also remains a strong option. Additionally, 18-year-old Julian Hall has impressed in MLS with 9 goals and 2 assists, making him a potential dark horse for the squad. As the roster announcement approaches, the competition among these forwards intensifies.
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