The U.S. men's national team is navigating a key tactical challenge as striker Folarin Balogun faces a one-game suspension for their upcoming Round of 16 World Cup match against Belgium. Manager Mauricio Pochettino's primary decision revolves around how much to alter his established and effective starting XI.
Ricardo Pepi is considered the leading candidate to step in for Balogun, having started a previous World Cup match and featured in every game since the team's arrival for camp. Pepi also has experience as a lone striker, showcasing good chemistry with Christian Pulisic in a friendly against Senegal. Tyler Adams noted Pepi's "tenacity and energy" and his ability to hold up the ball, which eases the workload on the wingers.
An alternative option is Haji Wright, though Pepi is believed to be higher on the depth chart. If Pochettino opts against either of the direct replacements, more complex lineup adjustments could be necessary. This might involve moving Christian Pulisic to a central striker role, a strategy that proved unsuccessful in a prior friendly against Portugal. Another possibility is deploying Weston McKennie, who has played striker for Juventus, though this would remove him from his effective attacking midfield position.
Other players like Gio Reyna, Alex Zendejas, or Tim Weah, who have had limited game time, could also be considered for the striker position, though they are not natural fits. Brenden Aaronson might also be brought into the lineup depending on how other positions are adjusted.
Chris Richards expressed confidence in the team's ability to adapt, stating, "We know that if it’s Pepi or Haji, whoever the case, is going to step up next, that they’re gonna do their job as well as [Balogun] just did." He highlighted the team's strong familial bond.
In other team news, Mark McKenzie has returned to full training after an irritated foot issue. Cristian Roldan continues with modified training due to a quad strain, and Tyler Adams has engaged in extra regeneration work, a practice he has utilized previously during the camp.