The Fight for the US National Team’s ‘9’: Who Will Lead the Attack at the World Cup?
The starting striker position in the United States men’s national team has been an unresolved puzzle in the last two World Cup cycles. Despite having talent, none of the contenders have managed to firmly establish themselves in the position. Figures like Eric Wynalda and Brian McBride marked an era, while Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey led the attack until 2014. Since then, the search for a consistent ‘9’ has become a priority.
The cycle towards the 2022 World Cup did not find a striker capable of maintaining a consistent performance. Jesús Ferreira, Jordan Pefok, Ricardo Pepi, Josh Sargent, and Gyasi Zardes had opportunities, but none managed to stand out. Finally, Haji Wright was chosen for the call-up, although an injury to Sargent and the lack of effectiveness of Ferreira and Wright did not allow the team to get the maximum performance in Qatar.
This new cycle has presented even more challenges. Pepi, Sargent and Wright remain in the running, joined by Folarin Balogun and Patrick Agyemang. Balogun seems to be in the lead after his performance in a friendly against Japan, although he has not yet secured the position.
With the October friendlies against Ecuador and Australia, the competition for the ‘9’ position for Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT in the next World Cup is open. Here we analyze the main candidates, accompanied by a statistical comparison with similar players.Folarin Balogun
When Balogun committed to the USMNT in May 2023, he was expected to be the long-term solution for the forward position. He scored in the 2023 Concacaf Nations League final and had a standout performance in the 2024 Copa América. However, injuries, including a shoulder injury that required surgery, have prevented him from solidifying his place.
Balogun’s mobility allows him to get open and attack the opposing defense. His movement also creates space for players like Christian Pulisic, Timothy Weah, or Alejandro Zendejas. His performance against Japan demonstrated his versatility, even showing that he can play with his back to the goal. Although doubts revolve around his durability and the lack of minutes at Monaco, where competition is fierce.Statistical comparison: Nicolas Jackson. Balogun has proven to be a runner and ball carrier with good finishing ability and goal creation. In the last three years, he averages 0.50 goals per 90 minutes with 3.69 shots.Haji Wright
Wright is the only American center forward with a goal in a World Cup. Currently, he is in great form in the English Championship, where his eight goals put him at the top of the table.
Wright is versatile; his height allows him to be strong in the aerial game, but he is also fast enough to play on the wing. His ability to detect opportunities is impressive. However, in the past World Cup, he sometimes seemed slow in his reactions. Despite this, it is an image that could remain in memory until he proves his worth on a more important stage.Statistical comparison: Randal Kolo Muani. Wright is not as good a passer as Kolo Muani, but he scores (0.56 goals per 90 minutes) and pushes the ball a lot. In the last three years, he has averaged 6.1 progressive carries per 90 minutes, receiving 1.42 fouls in that time.Patrick Agyemang
Agyemang offers a different profile, with his physical presence (1.93 meters) and aerial ability. Although he is a raw talent, he sometimes struggles with ball control and playing with his back to the goal. His potential could be key to scoring important goals.
The chances of Agyemang securing a place in the World Cup depend on his health and Pochettino’s decisions. If Pochettino decides to take only three forwards, Agyemang could be one of those left out. However, his “different profile” could be what secures him a place.Statistical Comparison: Olivier Giroud. Agyemang is excellent in aerial play (47.5% success in aerial duels) and prone to receiving fouls (2.05 fouls received per 90 minutes, 0.92 in the attacking third). His finishing ability is good, averaging 0.51 goals with 0.40 xG, although his shot numbers are not very high.Ricardo Pepi
Pepi is looking to secure his place in the 2026 call-up, but injuries have affected his performance. He suffered a knee injury in the Champions League and a recent muscle injury has kept him off the field. Despite this, Pepi has impressive characteristics; his movement allows him to take advantage of opportunities and connect with passes that other forwards might miss.Statistical comparison: Lautaro Martínez. Pepi gets very involved in the game, just like Martínez. His offensive numbers are good (0.74 goals and 1.36 chances created per 90 minutes), and he proves to be a reliable finisher. He also contributes in defense, averaging 5.53 defensive interventions per 90 minutes.Josh Sargent
The difference between Sargent’s performance at his club and in the national team is notable. At Norwich City, he has scored goals consistently, but he hasn’t scored with the USMNT since November 2019. Despite his skills, he doesn’t seem to have an aspect of his game that makes him a decisive player in a World Cup.
Pochettino seems to have noticed this, as Sargent was not included in the squad, even with Pepi’s injury. He has World Cup experience, but it might not be enough.Statistical comparison: Moise Kean. Sargent is the least statistically striking, but like Kean, he is a player who presses (4.09 defensive interventions per 90 minutes since the beginning of 2024-25) and has an above-average shot (0.56 goals per 90 minutes with 0.48 xG). However, his shots are limited.
Balogun, Pepi, Wright, and Agyemang appear to be the main candidates for the World Cup roster, in that order. Flexibility is key in a tournament like the World Cup. Balogun seems to be in the lead currently, but the situation could change rapidly. The only possibility of Sargent returning to the World Cup is if other players suffer injuries or a significant drop in their performance.
