Three Possible Replacements for Folarin Balogun in USMNT’s World Cup Round of 16 Clash
The U.S. men’s national team confronts a critical hurdle in the World Cup round of 16 against Belgium, missing their leading scorer Folarin Balogun. Since 2002, the USMNT has struggled to progress beyond this stage. Even with the expanded 48-team format in 2026, reaching this round was seen as the minimum expectation.
After comfortably winning Group D and edging Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32, hopes have grown that the Americans could push further, maybe even claim the trophy on home soil. Their only victory in the round of 16 came 24 years ago during the team's sole quarterfinal run, which ended against Germany following a win over Mexico. The deepest World Cup run for the U.S. was in 1930, when they reached the semifinals in a much smaller tournament.
Following a 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, confidence is high but the absence of Balogun, sidelined due to a red card received in the previous round, creates a significant gap. He has scored three of the U.S.’ 10 goals this tournament. Here are three players who might fill that void.
Ricardo Pepi: The Most Likely Successor
Ricardo Pepi is the most straightforward candidate to replace Balogun. He appeared briefly as a substitute in the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, injecting energy late in the game. At 23, this is his second World Cup, and he has long been considered a key offensive option. Still, his finishing has been inconsistent at the international level.
Pepi’s style differs slightly from Balogun’s. His defensive work rate is lower, which has kept him from securing a starting spot. On offense, though, he offers similar goal-scoring ability, albeit less physical presence and versatility.
Last season, Pepi netted 19 goals and provided two assists across 31 games for PSV Eindhoven in the Dutch Eredivisie and Champions League. He achieved those numbers despite recovering from injuries like a broken arm, signaling strong form heading into the summer.
The tactical shift might require more ground passes to suit Pepi’s longer strides as he battles Belgium’s defenders Arthur Theate and Brandon Mechele. Fortunately, Pepi will be rested compared to Belgium’s defenders, who recently endured 120 minutes against Senegal. With 13 goals in 40 appearances for the USMNT, Pepi clearly can find the net.
Haji Wright: Physical Presence and Aerial Threat
If the USMNT seeks a more physical forward resembling Balogun, Haji Wright fits that mold. The Coventry City striker will join the Premier League next season after scoring 17 goals in 31 matches to help his team win promotion. Wright offers strength and aerial ability, though he lacks the speed of both Balogun and Pepi.
His physicality could wear down Belgian defenders, potentially creating openings for others like Pepi later in the game. Concerns remain about his fitness and sharpness, as Wright hasn’t played over 70 minutes since late April and has had minimal action since early May. The summer heat might also impact his performance.
Brenden Aaronson: Tactical Flexibility Option
Brenden Aaronson is not a natural striker and struggled in the loss to Türkiye, but he could offer a creative solution. Known for his versatility and Premier League experience with Leeds United, Aaronson isn’t intimidated by big moments.
One possible adjustment could see Aaronson move to the left wing while Christian Pulisic shifts into a central forward role, leaving the team without a traditional striker. This unorthodox setup would be unusual for coach Mauricio Pochettino but might surprise Belgium and provide a different attacking dynamic.
Such a tactical tweak could leverage Aaronson’s creativity while allowing Pulisic to lead the line.
