USMNT Striker Competition Remains Wide Open as World Cup Deadline Looms
The race to secure the coveted starting striker position for the United States men's national team is once again an open and fiercely contested battle. With provisional World Cup squads due by 11 May, the window for hopefuls to impress head coach Mauricio Pochettino is rapidly closing, placing immense pressure on the number nines on the bubble.
The Manager's Challenge and Squad Selection Pressure
Unlike his previous club roles where he could utilise the transfer market to upgrade his squad, Pochettino faces a different reality with the US national team. He must work with the existing player pool, a situation that becomes particularly challenging as he aims to avoid what he describes as a "cruel" scenario of bringing players to final friendlies only to omit them from the tournament squad. Positional battles are evident across the pitch, including goalkeeper, centre-back, and midfield, but the most prominent question mark resides up front.
The striker role is uniquely sensitive to recent form; a forward in scoring rhythm can challenge even established national team regulars who are struggling at club level. Pochettino has been clear in his messaging, stating in October: "My message is we are watching everything. I promise you no one right now is guaranteed to be on the final roster for the World Cup. All the guys feel they need to fight to be there."
Leading Contenders and Their Current Form
With the European winter transfer window closed, most USMNT hopefuls are now settled at their clubs, making every minute of playing time crucial. Here is a detailed look at the six strikers closest to earning a spot on Pochettino's 26-man roster:
Folarin Balogun: The Former Frontrunner
Just months ago, Balogun appeared to be the clear starter following his much-publicised switch to the US in 2023. The Brooklyn-born forward has scored eight goals in 23 caps, impressing with his movement and interplay. Pochettino praised his "amazing work ethic" and availability in all aspects of the game. However, the 24-year-old has endured a challenging season at Monaco, with just four league goals in 1,085 minutes. His last Ligue 1 strike came on 8 November, creating an opening for other contenders.
Ricardo Pepi: The Primary Challenger
PSV Eindhoven's Ricardo Pepi emerged as Balogun's main competitor after scoring in five consecutive Eredivisie matches from late November through January. Despite attracting interest from Fulham, PSV rejected offers reportedly exceeding $40 million. Unfortunately, Pepi suffered a forearm injury in January and may not return until mid-March, potentially jeopardising his chances for next month's crucial friendlies against Belgium and Portugal.
Patrick Agyemang: The Form Striker
Derby County's Patrick Agyemang represents how patience during rough patches can yield rewards. After a slow start following his move from Charlotte FC, the 25-year-old has found his scoring touch at a vital time, netting seven goals and providing an assist in his last 13 Championship appearances. His direct dribbling and tireless work rate have helped Derby surge into promotion contention, making him the USMNT pool's current form striker.
Haji Wright: The World Cup Scorer
The only active striker to have scored for the US at a World Cup, Wright began the season brilliantly with eight goals in Coventry City's first nine league fixtures. He continued this form internationally with two goals against Australia in October. However, a calf injury in mid-November disrupted his momentum, though two league goals in late January suggest he may be returning to peak condition.
Josh Sargent: The Uncertain Prospect
January proved challenging for Josh Sargent, who has been a healthy scratch for Norwich City's last four fixtures as the club awaits Toronto FC to meet its valuation. The 25-year-old has struggled to impress internationally this decade, with his most recent US goal coming in November 2019 against Cuba. Pochettino referred to Sargent's omission from last summer's Gold Cup as "a football decision," and time is running out for him to change that assessment.
Additional Options and Final Considerations
Among the frontrunners, only Agyemang finds himself in an ideal club situation to maintain form until the summer. Should these primary contenders falter, Pochettino may revisit Gold Cup squad members. Vancouver Whitecaps' Brian White offers physicality and hold-up play, while Damion Downs, on loan at Hamburg from Southampton, provides pace and movement despite recent goalless spells.
Injuries have hampered several hopefuls, but the unsettled nature of the striker position means any sustained run of form will capture the coaching staff's attention. As the World Cup approaches, each match and training session carries significant weight in determining who will lead the line for the United States on football's biggest stage.
