USMNT Prepares for November Matches
PHILADELPHIA — Depending on the day, it seems the U.S. men’s national team either has too few options at striker or a surplus of talent. Right now, it’s leaning toward the latter as the team gears up for its November matches, starting with a friendly against Paraguay in Philadelphia on Saturday, followed by another match against Uruguay in Tampa.
Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, and Haji Wright are all in camp, and notably, they’re in good shape. Balogun has netted goals in two of AS Monaco’s last three Ligue 1 matches, which bodes well.
Pepi has been getting minutes at PSV Eindhoven, recently scoring against Olympiakos in the Champions League to secure a 1-1 draw for his side. Meanwhile, Wright seized his chance during his October call-up, scoring twice to help the team defeat Australia.
As the conversation shifts to the World Cup in June, things get a bit murky. Fans of the USMNT know all too well about the ongoing search for a consistent No. 9, a challenge that haunted them during the 2022 cycle and has continued this season.
At different moments, it seems that Balogun, Pepi, and Wright could be credible candidates to lead the U.S. up front next summer. There’s still ample time before June for circumstances to evolve.
“I haven’t really thought about it,” Wright remarked during a Zoom call on Tuesday. “I just focus on performing for my club [Coventry City]. When I get called up, I try to keep that same mindset. It’s all about what I can do to sway the coach’s choices.”
This is especially crucial for Pepi, who has struggled to find his footing with the national team over the past 13 months. Manager Mauricio Pochettino has made it clear that everyone has a shot, particularly with several regulars absent, presenting a distinctive opportunity for players to shine.
“They need to be aware that there’s competition for World Cup qualification,” Pochettino stated when asked about Pepi prior to camp. “That’s vital for us moving forward.”
He added, “But ultimately, it’s about giving their all. They need to come in strong—like athletes—ready for what’s arguably the most significant competition in the national team’s history.”
