The USMNT has advanced to the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 after defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, the team will face Belgium without standout striker Folarin Balogun, who received a red card in the 64th minute of the previous match.
Replacing Balogun
Mauricio Pochettino, the USMNT coach, must make a change to his lineup to replace Balogun. The team has several options, including Pepi and Wright, who are both out-and-out No. 9s. However, neither player has seen significant playing time in the tournament so far.
Pochettino could also consider pushing Christian Pulisic further forward, trusting his most talented attacker to hold up and link play at will while providing some box presence. Alternatively, he could bring in Max Arfsten or Reyna to provide a different dynamic on the left wing.
Midfield Options
If Pochettino decides to play Malik Tillman up top, he will need to make a change in midfield. Reyna could play behind Tillman, or Weston McKennie could play further forward. However, these options would require significant adjustments to the team’s lineup and tactics.
Original reporting: All Sports Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
