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.