The path to the 2030 World Cup kicks off with a harsh blow. The USMNT will miss both of its primary center‑forwards for the September and October fixtures. Balogun is already out, and Pepi now joins him on the injury list. Can the US still compete without its No.9s?
Pepi logged just nine minutes in PSV Eindhoven’s 3‑2 Eredivisie loss to Twente. With Balogun sidelined, he was poised for a chance after limited club minutes.
Consequently, none of the trio who wore the United States jersey at the 2026 World Cup will be available for the friendlies versus Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada.
Pepi launched his Eredivisie campaign impressively, netting three times in seven outings and cementing his role as PSV’s lead striker.
Downs, a former Southampton player, recently joined St. Louis City SC and is still searching for his first goal with the club.
A generational shift begins for the USMNT. Will this youth‑heavy experiment propel America to a deep run in the 2030 tournament?
Mauricio Pochettino has overhauled the roster. Only nine of the 26 players who wore the United States jersey at the 2026 World Cup remain as the new 2030 cycle begins, favoring a youthful lineup. In my view, this bold reset could revive America’s attacking spark.
Balogun’s and Pepi’s absences hand a chance to two prospects. Orlando City’s 19‑year‑old forward Justin Ellis could debut, while New York Red Bulls’ 18‑year‑old Julian Hall already boasts 13 MLS goals.
The United States meets Peru at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando on Saturday, Sept. 26, then heads to St. Louis’s Energizer Park for Chile three days later.
The CONCACAF showdown with Mexico follows in Glendale, Arizona, on Oct. 3. The four‑match international window wraps up against Canada at Minnesota’s Allianz Field on Oct. 6.
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