U.S. Strikers Face Crucial World Cup Audition Against Japan
As the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) gears up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the spotlight is firmly on strikers Josh Sargent and Folarin Balogun. Both players are vying for a spot on the final roster, and their upcoming match against Japan serves as a critical audition.
Josh Sargent’s Journey
Josh Sargent, a 25-year-old striker, recently returned to the U.S. after a successful season with Norwich City in the English Championship. With 15 goals in 32 appearances, Sargent boasted the best strike rate in the league. However, his excitement was dampened when he received an email from U.S. Soccer informing him that he would not be included in the roster for the Concacaf Gold Cup, a significant tournament leading up to the World Cup.
“I was like, ‘Damn, OK,'” Sargent reflected on the disappointing news. Despite his stellar club performance, he struggled to find the net for the national team, going scoreless in his first three starts under coach Mauricio Pochettino. This included a surprising defeat to Panama in the Nations League semifinals.
Rest and Recovery
Instead of participating in the Gold Cup, Sargent took the summer to rest and recuperate. He returned to Norwich with renewed vigor, scoring six goals in the first five matches of the new season. This impressive form earned him a recall to the national team, where he started against South Korea in a recent friendly.
However, Sargent’s international woes continued as he failed to register a shot in 62 minutes of play against South Korea, extending his goal drought to 17 games for the national team. The striker position has historically been a weak point for the USMNT, with the all-time scoring record held by Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan, who primarily played as wingers.
Folarin Balogun’s Ambitions
In contrast, Folarin Balogun, a 24-year-old striker born in New York and raised in London, is eager to make his mark on the international stage. After switching his allegiance from England to the U.S. following the 2022 World Cup, Balogun is determined to secure a spot on the World Cup roster. He currently plays for AS Monaco in Ligue 1 and was one of the few bright spots in the recent match against South Korea.
“My mind naturally wanders to the opening game of the World Cup,” Balogun said, reflecting on the excitement of the upcoming tournament. “But I’ve taught myself not to fixate on that, because there’s stuff that needs to be done in order for that image to take place.”
Injury Challenges
Balogun’s journey has not been without its challenges. He missed a significant portion of the previous season due to shoulder and ankle injuries, which also forced him to withdraw from the Gold Cup squad. However, he views this break as a blessing in disguise, allowing him to return to the field mentally and physically refreshed.
“I think it’s put me in a position where I feel refreshed,” Balogun stated. “My goal for this season is to reestablish myself as the player I think I can be.”
Competition for Spots
With only three center-forward positions available on the final 26-man World Cup roster, the competition is fierce. Alongside Sargent and Balogun, other contenders include Ricardo Pepi, who is returning from a long-term knee injury, and Patrick Agyemang, who is still recovering from hernia surgery. Haji Wright, a striker who scored for the U.S. in the last World Cup, is also in the mix.
Despite the competitive atmosphere, camaraderie remains essential among the players. “The coach made it pretty clear: Of course we all want to play, and he expects there to be good competition,” Sargent noted. “But once a striker has chosen to play, he fully expects everybody to put that stuff aside and fully back that person.”
Team Dynamics
Balogun echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of respect and teamwork. “I try to keep it pretty simple,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s another striker. With any teammate, it’s just showing respect and treating people as you’d want to be treated.”
As the USMNT prepares for their next match against Japan, both Sargent and Balogun are aware of the stakes. Sargent, in particular, understands the need to capitalize on scoring opportunities. “You don’t really have room for error,” he admitted. “When you get that chance, you’ve really got to take it.”
Support from Teammates
Despite his recent struggles, Sargent has the support of his teammates and former players. Tim Howard, a USMNT legend, expressed his belief in Sargent’s abilities, stating, “I’m still a believer that Josh Sargent can do it at this level.” Tim Ream, another teammate, echoed this sentiment, highlighting Sargent’s diverse scoring capabilities.
Balogun, too, is eager to contribute to the team’s success. “Representing my country is what brings me the most pleasure,” he said. “It’s a huge opportunity.”
Conclusion
As the USMNT approaches the World Cup, the performances of strikers Josh Sargent and Folarin Balogun will be under intense scrutiny. With both players eager to prove themselves, the upcoming match against Japan will serve as a pivotal moment in their quest for a spot on the World Cup roster. The competition is fierce, but the camaraderie and support among teammates may ultimately play a crucial role in their success.
