Three Possible Replacements for Folarin Balogun in USMNT’s World Cup Round of 16 Clash
The U.S. men’s national team has reached the World Cup round of 16, a stage they haven’t surpassed since 2002. After winning Group D convincingly and defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32, hopes of going deep in the tournament have grown among fans and analysts alike.
The team’s best World Cup performance remains the 1930 semifinals, but that event had a smaller field and knockout rounds started with the final four teams. The only time the U.S. advanced beyond the round of 16 was 24 years ago, reaching the quarterfinals before losing to Germany.
Yet, this upcoming match against Belgium brings a significant challenge: Folarin Balogun, the team’s top scorer with three goals in the tournament, will miss the game due to a red card received in the last round. His absence leaves a large gap in the attacking line-up.
Ricardo Pepi: The Most Straightforward Replacement
Ricardo Pepi is likely to fill Balogun’s spot up front. The 23-year-old featured briefly as a substitute against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Although this is his second World Cup, Pepi has struggled with consistency on the international stage.
He shares similar goal-scoring abilities with Balogun but lacks defensive effort, which has made him less favored by manager Mauricio Pochettino for the starting role. Pepi offers a more one-dimensional threat and less physical presence than Balogun.
Last season, Pepi scored 19 goals and provided two assists for PSV Eindhoven across the Dutch league and Champions League, bouncing back impressively from injuries. His speed and ability to chase down through balls could be tested against Belgium’s defenders Arthur Theate and Brandon Mechele, who might be fatigued after a tough match with Senegal.
Despite not matching Balogun’s dynamism, Pepi has netted 13 goals in 40 appearances for the USMNT, proving he can find the back of the net.
Haji Wright: Adding Physicality to the Attack
Haji Wright appeared briefly against Australia and may offer a different kind of threat. The Coventry City striker is set to join the Premier League next season following a strong campaign with 17 goals in 31 matches, helping Coventry earn promotion.
Wright’s strength and aerial ability would bring a physical edge missing from Pepi or Balogun. His presence might help wear down Belgium’s defense early on, creating chances for others later in the match.
Fitness could be a concern, though. Wright has played limited minutes since late April and may lack full match sharpness, especially given the summer heat conditions.
Brenden Aaronson: A Tactical Shift
Brenden Aaronson isn’t a traditional striker and struggled in the recent loss to Türkiye, but with tactical tweaks, he could be part of the solution.
A versatile attacker with Leeds United, Aaronson could shift to the left wing while Christian Pulisic moves centrally as a makeshift striker. This approach would abandon a pure forward but might confuse Belgium’s defense.
Such an adjustment would be unusual for Pochettino but could provide a fresh attacking look and unexpected challenge for the Belgian team.
