When Mauricio Pochettino named his 25-man roster for the November 2025 friendlies, he didn’t just select players—he inherited a luxury problem. The U.S. Men's National Team now has more legitimate, in-form strikers than spots on the 2026 World CupUnited States, Canada, and Mexico roster. And it’s not just quantity—it’s quality. Folarin Balogun scored the lone goal in AS Monaco’s 1-0 win over Bodo/Glimt on November 4. The very next day, Ricardo Pepi came off the bench to net a dramatic 93rd-minute equalizer for PSV Eindhoven against Olympiakos. Two goals. Two continents. One message: the USMNT’s attack isn’t just deep—it’s dangerous.
The Striker Surge
It wasn’t always this way. Five years ago, the USMNT’s forward line was a question mark. Now? It’s the most crowded room in the locker room. Balogun, 24, has become the de facto starter in Monaco’s system, scoring in 4 of his last 6 club appearances. Pepi, 22, has rediscovered his goal-scoring instincts in the Eredivisie, where PSV sits atop the table. Then there’s Haji Wright, who’s been a reliable target man for Antalyaspor, and Patrick Agyemang, whose physical presence at Queens Park Rangers makes him a nightmare for defenders. Even Josh Sargent, once considered a lock, is fighting to stay relevant after a 14-month international scoring drought.
According to NBC Sports’ November 20, 2025 analysis, Pochettino’s biggest headache isn’t who to pick—it’s who to leave out. "Is it Pepi or Agyemang?" the outlet asked. "Both bring something completely different. One’s a finisher. The other’s a wrecking ball. And you can’t take both."
Form Over Legacy
What’s striking is how little legacy matters now. Tim Ream, 35, earned his 78th cap in 2025—not because he’s a veteran, but because he’s still one of the most consistent center-backs in the system. Meanwhile, Alex Freeman, 22, has gone from fringe prospect to full international in just 11 appearances—all in 2025. His rise isn’t a fluke; it’s a sign of how quickly the USMNT’s talent pipeline has matured.
The expanded roster size—from 23 to 26 players for the 2026 World Cup—gives Pochettino breathing room, but not much. He’ll still need to pick three strikers. And with Balogun’s consistency, Pepi’s late-game heroics, Wright’s tactical fit, and Agyemang’s brute force, the choices are brutal. Goal.com’s November 2025 projection put it bluntly: "Balogun is the starter. Pepi is the impact sub. Wright is the backup. Agyemang? He’s the wildcard. Sargent? He’s on the outside looking in."
The November Crucible
These aren’t just friendlies. They’re auditions. The USMNT plays Paraguay on November 15 at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania, and Uruguay on November 18. Both are World Cup-bound teams with physical, organized defenses—perfect test beds for evaluating strikers under pressure.
Missing are the usual stars: Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, and others are resting or injured. That means the spotlight falls even harder on the newcomers. Can Freeman hold down right back? Can Joe Scally outperform him? Can one of the strikers turn a 0-0 draw into a 2-0 win with a single moment of brilliance?
Pochettino’s words in the official press release carry weight: "They need to prove they deserve to be on the final list." That’s not just a line—it’s a mandate. The players who shine here won’t just make the roster. They’ll define the team’s identity.
What’s at Stake
The 2026 World Cup is more than a tournament. It’s a generational moment for U.S. soccer. Playing on home soil means record crowds, unprecedented media attention, and pressure that could make or break careers. The striker position will be central to that narrative. A team with no goals is a team that doesn’t win. A team with too many options? That’s a team with a chance to go far.
And here’s the twist: the USMNT might not need a single superstar striker. It might need a rotating cast of specialists. Balogun to break the deadlock. Pepi to finish late. Agyemang to disrupt defenses. Wright to hold up play. Sargent, if he finds his rhythm, to be the quiet assassin.
This isn’t a problem. It’s a privilege. And for the first time in a decade, the USMNT has the luxury of choosing who gets to carry the burden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the likely starting striker for the 2026 World Cup?
Based on current form and consistency, Folarin Balogun is the frontrunner to start. His 4 goals in 6 club matches for AS Monaco since September, coupled with his role as the focal point in Pochettino’s system, make him the most reliable option. He’s scored in every major competition he’s played this year, and his movement and finishing have improved dramatically since 2024.
Why is Josh Sargent struggling for a spot despite Norwich City’s strong form?
Despite Norwich City’s solid start in the EFL Championship, Sargent hasn’t scored for the USMNT since October 2023—a 14-month drought. While he’s been active in the attack, his final ball and decision-making have been inconsistent under pressure. Analysts from SBI Soccer note that his lack of international goals, combined with the rise of more dynamic options like Balogun and Agyemang, has pushed him to the periphery of selection talks.
How does the expanded 26-man roster change selection strategy?
The expanded roster allows Pochettino to carry four strikers instead of three, which means he can prioritize versatility. He might take Balogun as the starter, Pepi as the super-sub, Agyemang as the physical enforcer, and Wright as the tactical anchor. This gives him flexibility to adapt to different opponents—something crucial against South American teams like Paraguay and Uruguay, who play compact, physical defenses.
What’s the biggest risk in selecting so many strikers?
The biggest risk is balance. If too many attacking players are selected, it could weaken the midfield or defense. With key players like Adams and McKennie absent, the USMNT needs stability in the back. Pochettino must ensure that striker selections don’t come at the cost of defensive structure—especially against teams that counter aggressively. It’s not just about scoring; it’s about not conceding.
Could a surprise striker emerge from the November friendlies?
Absolutely. Players like Alex Freeman and Joe Scally have already shown they can step up under pressure. If a lesser-known forward like Max Arfsten or Tyler Adams (if he returns early) delivers a standout performance against Paraguay or Uruguay, he could force his way into the conversation. History shows World Cup rosters often include one or two surprise call-ups from the final camp.
When will the final 26-man World Cup roster be announced?
U.S. Soccer typically announces the final 26-man roster 10–14 days before the tournament’s opening match. With the 2026 World Cup starting on June 11, 2026, the official list is expected around June 1–3. But by the end of the November 2025 friendlies, Pochettino’s top 10 candidates will be clear—and the battle for the final spots will be nearly over.
Comments (17)
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Narayana Murthy Dasara November 23, 2025
Man, this striker depth is wild. I remember when we were begging for someone to score in friendlies, and now we got like six guys who could start for other nations. Pochettino’s got the best kind of problem - too much talent. I’m just glad we’re finally building something real.
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lakshmi shyam November 24, 2025
Josh Sargent is a waste of space. He’s been on the roster since 2021 and still can’t finish a 1v1. Why is he even still in the conversation? This isn’t a charity camp.
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Sabir Malik November 25, 2025
You know what’s beautiful about this? It’s not just about who scores - it’s about how they score. Balogun’s clinical, Pepi’s got that late-game magic, Agyemang’s like a human bulldozer, Wright’s the guy you bring in when you need to slow it down and grind. And Sargent? He’s the guy who used to be the answer but now just reminds us how far we’ve come. This isn’t a problem - it’s evolution. We’re not just developing players, we’re developing a system. And that system doesn’t need one hero. It needs a whole cast. That’s what makes this era different. We’re not waiting for one guy to carry us. We’re building a machine where everyone has a role. And honestly? That’s scarier for the rest of the world than any single superstar.
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Debsmita Santra November 26, 2025
Let’s talk about tactical diversity here because this is actually revolutionary for us - Balogun as the false nine anchor, Pepi as the inverted winger-striker hybrid, Agyemang as the target man who can hold up and bring others into play, Wright as the poacher in transition. The key is rotation based on opponent structure - against Paraguay’s low block, you need Agyemang’s physicality, against Uruguay’s compact midfield, you need Pepi’s movement. The expanded roster lets you carry all four without sacrificing midfield balance. And honestly? That’s the real win here - not just having options, but having complementary ones. Pochettino’s not choosing strikers - he’s assembling a toolkit. And that’s elite coaching.
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Vasudha Kamra November 27, 2025
I’m just happy we’re finally talking about striker depth like it’s normal. We’ve spent years apologizing for our offense. Now we’re debating who to leave out. That’s progress.
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Abhinav Rawat November 28, 2025
It’s funny how we think having too many options is a problem. In life, we spend years chasing one thing - one job, one relationship, one identity. But here? We’ve got six guys who could be the answer, and we’re stressing over who gets the spotlight. Maybe the real lesson isn’t about soccer. Maybe it’s about abundance. We used to be hungry. Now we’re full. And that changes everything. Who do you choose when everyone’s good? Maybe the answer isn’t who’s best - but who fits the moment.
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Shashi Singh November 29, 2025
THIS IS A COVERT OPERATION!!! 😱 Pochettino’s hiding Sargent on purpose so the media doesn’t notice the REAL plan - they’re training the entire squad to play as a striker! That’s why they’re rotating everyone! Next thing you know, the fullbacks are scoring 30-yard rockets and the goalkeeper’s doing bicycle kicks! The CIA’s been feeding us this ‘depth’ narrative to distract from the fact that the USMNT is secretly building a 26-man striker squad! I’ve seen the leaked emails!!! 🤫💣
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Surbhi Kanda November 30, 2025
Let’s not romanticize this. Depth means nothing if you can’t deploy it. Pochettino needs to stop treating this like a fantasy draft. One striker must be the focal point. The rest are role players. Overcomplicating it leads to chaos in big games. Stick to a structure - and pick the guy who can deliver in the 89th minute, not just the one who looks good on paper.
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Sandhiya Ravi November 30, 2025
I love how everyone’s so focused on the strikers but nobody’s talking about how this reflects the whole system. These guys didn’t just appear out of nowhere - they came up through the academy, got chances in Europe, stayed patient. This isn’t luck. It’s culture. And it’s the quiet ones - the ones who didn’t get headlines - who made this possible. Keep building this way. We’re not just good. We’re becoming something lasting.
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JAYESH KOTADIYA December 1, 2025
USA BAYBEEEE 🇺🇸🔥 Balogun is the GOAT of the future. Pepi’s the clutch king. Agyemang? He’s the guy who makes defenders cry. Sargent? Bro, he’s still trying to figure out how to turn left. 2026 is OURS. No cap. No debate. Just pure US soccer energy. Let’s goooooo!!! 🚀⚽
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Vikash Kumar December 2, 2025
Everyone’s overthinking this. Balogun starts. Pepi comes on. Done.
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Siddharth Gupta December 3, 2025
Bro, imagine being a coach and having to pick between Balogun’s ice-cold finishes and Pepi’s last-second heroics. It’s like being handed six Michelin-star chefs and told to pick one for dinner. You don’t need to choose - you just need to serve them all at different times. That’s the beauty of this team. We don’t need one legend. We need a whole damn kitchen.
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Anoop Singh December 4, 2025
Why is Sargent even still in the mix? He’s been on the roster since forever. I’ve seen him play 50 times and he still can’t beat a defender one-on-one. Just cut him. We got 10 better options. Why are we still wasting time on this?
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Omkar Salunkhe December 5, 2025
balogun? more like balo-gone. he’s only scoring because monaco’s defense is trash. pepi? he’s a glorified benchwarmer. agyemang? he’s just a big dude who runs into people. this team is built on hype not skill. we’re gonna get crushed by brazil in 2026 and everyone will blame the coach. again. 😅
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raja kumar December 7, 2025
This is what happens when you invest in youth, trust the process, and give players space to grow. No one forced these guys into the spotlight. They earned it. And now we’re talking about depth instead of desperation. That’s the real win. Not the goals. The growth.
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Sumit Prakash Gupta December 9, 2025
Striker rotation isn’t just tactical - it’s psychological. Keeping players fresh, unpredictable, hungry. The pressure of knowing someone’s breathing down your neck? That’s what creates elite performers. This isn’t a problem - it’s the engine. Pochettino’s not choosing players. He’s creating competition. And that’s how you build champions.
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Shikhar Narwal December 9, 2025
Man, I just want to see Agyemang head one in against Uruguay. Just one. That’s all I ask. 🤞💥
