USMNT roster watch: folarin balogun remains front-runner as challengers surge before March camp
With the March 23-31 camp (ET) in Atlanta the last major evaluation window before the 26-man World Cup roster is finalized, the striker conversation for the United States continues to sharpen. One clear reality: folarin balogun still projects as the top option up front, but a string of strong club performances has narrowed the gap and increased pressure on several incumbents.
Balogun’s perch — secure but not unassailable
Folarin Balogun arrives at the business end of the qualifying cycle widely regarded as the primary No. 9 for the national team. His finishing, movement and role within the system give Mauricio Pochettino a reliable focal point. That standing has translated into a presumed starting slot on many projected depth charts, and his form has been steady enough that his inclusion on the summer roster feels likely.
Still, the U. S. staff is keeping a close eye on match-to-match production across Europe and North America. Balogun’s status is an advantage, not an automatic immunity. With only the March camp (March 23-31, ET) left for extended evaluation before roster decisions intensify in April and May, any dip in availability or form could invite second-guessing — even at the top of the pecking order.
Challengers on the rise: Agyemang and Wright force attention
Patrick Agyemang has emerged as perhaps the most compelling challenger. The 25-year-old striker has adapted quickly since his summer move to the English second tier and has reached double figures in league goals, combining size, aerial presence and growing tactical awareness. His recent surge — including a decisive headed goal that underscored his threat in the box — makes him impossible to ignore for a March call-up and beyond.
Haji Wright remains a parallel storyline. His scoring productivity at his club has returned to a level that keeps him in the conversation for a roster spot, particularly if the coaching staff wants a diverse set of profiles among the forwards. Both Agyemang and Wright offer contrasting skill sets to Balogun, and their runs of form create a selection headache that could be resolved only by the March camp minutes and the staff’s tactical priorities.
Who’s slipping and what to watch: Pepi, Sargent and midfield dynamics
In contrast, Ricardo Pepi’s recovery from a fractured forearm complicates his immediate chances. Even when fit, he faces a competitive front line and will need game time and sharpness to challenge the presumed starters. Josh Sargent’s situation is more precarious: limited playing time and a stalled transfer window have dropped him down the pecking order, making a late push difficult unless he rediscovers regular minutes quickly.
Elsewhere on the pitch, veterans such as Weston McKennie and the returning Christian Pulisic provide a stabilizing influence in midfield and attack. McKennie’s portability and recent form in Italy have strengthened his standing, while Pulisic’s availability adds attacking flexibility. Those pieces matter for roster construction because they influence how many strikers the staff ultimately wants and which profiles best complement Balogun.
With the March camp (March 23-31, ET) essentially serving as an extended audition, selection dynamics are clear: Balogun’s spot is the one most secure, but several players are staking claims that could reshape the final 26. Final choices will hinge on fitness, form and how Pochettino wants to balance immediate firepower with tactical versatility when the tournament begins this summer.
