Balogun’s World Cup Exit Forces USMNT to Reassess Attacking Options Against Belgium

The U.S. Men’s National Team will face Belgium in the World Cup round of 16 without their star forward and leading scorer, Folarin Balogun. Balogun received a red card after a video review showed him stomping on an opponent’s ankle during the match against Bosnia & Herzegovina. His absence leaves a significant void in the USMNT’s attack, as he has been instrumental in creating scoring opportunities through both goals and build-up play.

Pochettino’s Tactical Considerations

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino acknowledged the challenge of replacing Balogun, stating, “We’ll have different options, we’ll see which decision we’ll take.” The team will need to adapt its strategy to compensate for Balogun’s finishing, movement, hold-up play, and physicality.

Potential Replacements

Several players are in contention to step into Balogun’s shoes. The most straightforward option appears to be a start for Ricardo Pepi. While not a direct stylistic match for Balogun, Pepi offers a seamless integration into the team’s existing system. He has previously been preferred by Pochettino, starting against Australia and retaining his place against Turkey when others were rotated. Pepi has a strong goal-scoring record for PSV Eindhoven, with 19 goals in 34 appearances this season, though his national team scoring has been less frequent recently.

Another natural center forward option is Haji Wright. Wright has been behind Pepi in the pecking order but could be given an opportunity, especially considering Pepi’s recent lack of goals for the USMNT. Wright was a key player in Coventry City’s Championship-winning season, scoring 17 goals in 40 appearances. He has seven goals in 21 caps for the USMNT, including a goal against the Netherlands in the 2022 World Cup.

More Complex Tactical Adjustments

If Pochettino opts for a less conventional approach, Christian Pulisic could be deployed as a central forward. This move, though less probable, has precedent, as Pulisic started in that role against Portugal in March. This shift could also open up starting roles for attacking midfielders such as Gio Reyna, Tim Weah, Brenden Aaronson, or Alejandro Zendejas, creating a more fluid attacking unit. Reyna, who scored a notable goal against Paraguay, offers proven pedigree, while Weah and Aaronson have had opportunities to impress. Weah, with his background as a forward, could also potentially play through the center if needed.

A more radical departure would involve altering the team’s formation entirely. A 3-5-2, pairing Pepi and Wright together, represents a bold tactical gamble that could inject new attacking dynamism.

Key facts

The stakes are high for the USMNT as they navigate the knockout stages of the World Cup. Balogun’s suspension presents a significant test for Pochettino and his squad, requiring them to find a new attacking identity and potentially adapt their tactical approach to overcome Belgium.

Source: The Athletic – https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7415328/2026/07/02/usmnt-replacement-red-card-folarin-balogun-belgium-world-cup/