USMNT Taps Pepi to Replace Balogun Against Belgium
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- Folarin Balogun received a red card in the 64th minute after a lengthy VAR review in the USMNT's 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina; FIFA rules prevent the card from being overturned, leaving only the possibility of reducing a multigame suspension
- Balogun will miss Monday's round-of-16 match against Belgium in Seattle, forcing manager Mauricio Pochettino to adjust his front line
- Ricardo Pepi leads the candidates to start up top, with 184 World Cup minutes to Haji Wright's 1 and a clear edge in passing accuracy (83.7% overall vs. Wright's 68.6%; 80.8% vs. 71.5% in the attacking third)
- Christian Pulisic struggled badly as a central striker in a March friendly against Portugal, winning just 1 of 7 duels while playing with his back to goal against hulking center backs, suggesting Pochettino should not repeat the experiment
- Haji Wright told reporters he is ready for any role: 'I'll always be ready and prepared for whatever comes'
- Pepi and Wright both hold a height and aerial edge on Balogun—Pepi scored 6 headed goals at club level this season and Wright 3, compared to Balogun's 1—potentially making them better targets for crosses
- Antonee Robinson's 14.3% cross completion rate falls well below the 23.7% tournament average, raising the stakes on the fullbacks' delivery if the U.S. shifts to a more aerial-oriented attack
Why it matters: Without Balogun's goals and runs in behind, the USMNT's chances against Belgium hinge on Pepi's link play with Pulisic and on Robinson (14.3% cross accuracy vs. 23.7% tournament average) and Sergiño Dest delivering service for the taller, more aerial replacements. Pulisic's creative burden grows as the team's offensive lifeline.
