Replacing Folarin Balogun is not simply about finding someone who can score goals – it’s about identifying the right tactical fit for a U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) attack built around movement, pressing, and controlled chaos.

The USMNT will face its most significant World Cup test yet without its breakout star of the tournament. It’s a cruel twist of fate, undoubtedly controversial, but it’s a reality Mauricio Pochettino cannot ignore as he prepares for Monday’s Round of 16 showdown with Belgium.

FIFA’s regulations confirm that Folarin Balogun will miss the match after receiving a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The resulting suspension deprives the USMNT of its top forward, a massive blow by any measure.

This summer, Balogun has been the most dangerous and arguably the best player in the USMNT squad. His three goals lead the team, his off-the-ball runs have energised the attack, and his relentless pressing has set the tone for the side. His influence has gone beyond statistics – his work rate has reshaped the team’s identity. Realistically, replacing all of that is nearly impossible.

Still, Pochettino must find a solution. The positive aspect is that he has several potential replacements. Over the coming days, he will weigh each option’s pros and cons before making what could be a defining decision for the USMNT’s World Cup campaign.

So, who might Pochettino turn to as Balogun’s replacement? What does each candidate bring to the table, and what compromises might be necessary to make it work? Let’s examine the possibilities.

Ricardo Pepi

If the goal is to maintain a scoring threat, Ricardo Pepi is the most direct choice. The PSV Eindhoven striker has consistently demonstrated his ability to find the net for both club and country.

At his core, Pepi is a pure finisher. His performances for PSV and the USMNT highlight his knack for converting chances efficiently. It’s no surprise that Premier League teams have shown interest for over a year – Pepi is the type of forward who needs only one opportunity to make a mark.

However, his game has evolved. In a pre-World Cup friendly against Senegal, Pepi not only scored but also assisted another goal, showing he can facilitate play. Against Australia, when paired with Balogun, he did the unglamorous work by occupying defenders and creating space for teammates.

Yet Pepi’s overall profile differs from Balogun’s. He lacks similar acceleration and physical intensity. Without that burst of pace, he may struggle to make the same penetrative runs that fuel the USMNT attack, and his pressing lacks Balogun’s immediacy. Still, Pepi’s distinct qualities could prove useful – he can open up space for others or take advantage of a single clear chance to make an impact.

Haji Wright

Haji Wright has barely featured for the USMNT this summer, logging just one minute of game time. So far, Pepi has been the preferred option off the bench. But Wright, who plays for Coventry City, offers a closer stylistic match to Balogun.

His physicality is a major asset, and he can also threaten opposition lines with his runs behind defenders. Wright excelled in the Championship with Coventry and proved his worth for the USMNT in the autumn with a brace against Australia.

His limited involvement suggests he is not among Pochettino’s top choices, but Wright’s profile – strength, pace, and directness – makes him a viable Balogun substitute. Moreover, he already has a World Cup goal to his name, a noteworthy credential in such a scenario.

Christian Pulisic

On paper, moving Christian Pulisic closer to goal seems logical. No current USMNT player has scored more goals than him, so could he fill the striker role?

The idea has tactical merit. Pulisic naturally drifts inside, forcing defenders to retreat, while full-backs like Antonee Robinson and Sergiño Dest maintain width. This dynamic could, in theory, work from a central position, allowing another player to take over on the left wing. That substitute could either stretch the defence or cut inside, creating a fluid front line.

However, past evidence raises doubts. Pulisic struggled centrally against Portugal earlier this year, and his time alongside Rafael Leão in a two-striker system for AC Milan yielded limited success. The lesson is clear: while it’s tempting to place your top scorer near goal, players should remain in roles where they perform best. For Pulisic, that’s not as a No. 9.

Tim Weah

Balogun’s influence comes down to three main contributions: goal scoring, off-ball runs, and pressing. Tim Weah can certainly replicate the latter two, as seen during the USMNT’s 2022 World Cup opener against Wales.

However, Weah is not a natural striker. In recent years, the Olympique de Marseille player has operated mainly as a wing-back, a role focused more on defensive duties than goal scoring. While other players in the squad are better finishers, Weah’s pace and pressing could make him a tactical asset in this setup.

His speed could create lanes for teammates to exploit, and his defensive work rate could initiate pressing sequences that swing momentum. While not the most obvious option, Weah’s attributes align with Pochettino’s high-intensity approach.

Other Possible Options

Beyond these four, Pochettino has additional, though less ideal, alternatives. Gio Reyna, who has already scored in this World Cup, brings creativity but lacks the physical presence and pace required up front. Brenden Aaronson offers boundless energy and speed but has not proven to be a reliable finisher. Alex Zendejas has found the net for Club América but has limited USMNT experience.

Malik Tillman could be considered as well. Typically a No. 10, Tillman has the size and technical skills to function as a forward. However, that adjustment would disrupt the midfield trio that has performed so well. The same applies to Weston McKennie, who has occasionally played further forward for Juventus but is far more effective in midfield.

Pochettino could spring a tactical surprise, but whatever decision he takes must be spot-on. The USMNT’s World Cup aspirations depend on getting this one right.