Mauricio Pochettino must navigate the absence of suspended striker Folarin Balogun when the United States face Belgium in the World Cup last-16 on Monday. The US head coach has several tactical options, including deploying Haji Wright, Ricardo Pepi, or Gio Reyna as a false nine.
Belgium’s mixed form and possession dominance
Belgium won Group G but have struggled to hit full stride. They edged Egypt on goal difference and finished one point ahead of eliminated Iran. In the last 32, they trailed Senegal 2-0 in the 82nd minute before forcing extra time, capping the comeback with a controversially awarded penalty for the latest goal in World Cup history.
Through four games, Belgium have retained 57% of possession with a 65% field tilt – a possession metric weighing only final-third touches – but haven’t maximized that advantage. Manager Rudi Garcia seems conflicted on how to best use Romelu Lukaku after a lost year at Napoli. Much of Belgium’s time in possession is spent in midfield before the ball is sprayed wide to Jérémy Doku and Leandro Trossard.
Belgium have won possession in all four games, with Senegal playing them closest (52-48 split). The US have maintained a 58% share in their four games, neck-and-neck with Belgium. If Pochettino’s side can keep the ball off Belgian feet, it could unsettle the Red Devils.
Belgium’s defensive vulnerabilities
Ample time on the ball helps Belgium’s defense, as it keeps opponents from sizing up their backline. Belgium operate in possession through the central channel and can be vulnerable down the flanks when opponents regain possession. Center-backs Brandon Mechele and Arthur Theate defend passively, preferring to stay back rather than roam. Iran’s Mehdi Taremi exploited this flat-footedness with nimble feints and incisive channel movement.
Youri Tielemans bears a high burden to advance possession toward Kevin De Bruyne, leaving the backline with minimal shielding. The forward line presses little, with Belgium ranking in the bottom half of the 48-team field with three high-regains per game. Thibaut Courtois provides a safety valve, and pushing teams wide limits dangerous shots, but weaknesses remain.
Senegal nearly beat Belgium by using width, quickly getting the ball to wingers and creating overloads with full-backs joining the attack.
US options to replace Balogun
Balogun’s red card and one-game suspension means the US will miss their main goal threat. Conventional wisdom suggests Pochettino will replace him with another striker, but his decision to deploy a second striker against Australia instead of a like-for-like replacement for Christian Pulisic opens wildcard scenarios.
Gio Reyna could play as a false nine, pulling Belgium’s center-backs upfield with savvy movement and using his technical acumen to deliver lethal balls into vacated channels. However, he struggled in a rare start against Türkiye and has worked best as a change of pace off the bench.
Tim Weah, who played center-forward early in his career, could drift wide if he replaces Balogun. The US already have strength down his preferred right side with Weston McKennie, Alex Freeman, Dest, and Malik Tillman. Brenden Aaronson has seldom played striker but scored two goals when starting as a center-forward for Leeds in January. His work rate and interchange with Pulisic and McKennie could dizzy a defense, though he offers less end product.
Ricardo Pepi, who started twice in the group stage and came off the bench in the other two matches, is the most talked-about replacement. He scored 19 goals for PSV last season but his tasks under Pochettino have been largely thankless. Pepi is a vital hold-up fulcrum for quick breaks and sustained possession, using his frame to muscle off opponents. However, his back-to-goal industry can slow the game, playing into the hands of a less athletic Belgium team, and can leave him trailing behind play.
Haji Wright emerges as a viable option
Haji Wright, despite his star role in Coventry City’s promotion to the Premier League, has logged just one minute at this World Cup. He has refined his game since Frank Lampard took over in November 2024. Wright is an adept channel-runner, able to get beyond a backline to offer options when space is available. He is crafty in close quarters, finding space in the box even when opponents try to gum up shooting areas. In the physical Championship, his threat intensified even as opponents tailored gameplans to neutralize him.
Wright also offers supplemental benefits given his propensity to score when cutting infield from the left. Bosnia and Herzegovina limited the US’s progression down the left, where the Americans had enjoyed success against Senegal in a pre-tournament friendly and against Paraguay to open their World Cup. Wright can alternate zones seamlessly with Pulisic, a longtime close friend, and scored the US’s only knockout goal of the 2022 tournament (whether he meant to or not).
There is no like-for-like alternative to Balogun, given his blistering form. But for a one-game assignment, a more nimble, direct option like Wright may make the most sense, especially knowing Pepi can provide a capable spark off the bench.
