Haij Wright Stakes His Claim: Rising Star Battles for USMNT Starting Spot Before October Showdowns

The United States men's national soccer team continues to have uncertainties throughout their squad, but Haji Wright is positioning himself as a potential solution to the forward position challenge as the October international break approaches.

Wright found the net for his ninth goal across all competitions with Coventry City on Saturday, helping his team crush Sheffield Wednesday 5–0 to climb to the summit of the EFL Championship standings. His strike came during first-half injury time, marking his eighth Championship goal and his 40th for the club since joining in 2023.

The 27-year-old forward is among the candidates vying for the starting striker role as the USMNT continues preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on American soil. Wright received a call-up from manager Mauricio Pochettino for October exhibitions against Ecuador and Australia, joining Patrick Agyemang and Folarin Balogun in the squad.

Wright Displaying Excellent Form Before USMNT Matches

Wright has now found the back of the net in seven of his previous nine appearances. His scoring streak comes at an ideal moment, as he enters the October camp in outstanding form.

"We couldn't be happier with this week's results - three shutouts and plenty of goals," Coventry boss Frank Lampard commented following the victory. "We put in the effort and have made a strong beginning to this point, and it's crucial we stay grounded, savor this moment, because it's been an excellent week and get some rest before trying to maintain this momentum."

Wright hasn't appeared for the USMNT since June 16 during the Gold Cup, a 5–0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago where he scored. An Achilles problem sidelined him for the remainder of the competition as the United States ultimately finished as runners-up. He wasn't included in September's squad when the USMNT lost to South Korea and defeated Japan in international exhibitions.

"I'm hoping he gets the nod [to start], considering how dedicated he is to that goal and representing his nation at the World Cup and the significance that would hold for him. He's completely transparent about that ambition, which is exactly how it should be," Lampard shared with Sports Illustrated in September.

Haij Wright Statistics: 2025–26