USMNT Strikers Send Bold Message to Pochettino as Four Stars Dominate the Week
USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino is set to announce his roster for the forthcoming international matches against Belgium and Portugal in a fortnight—as competition for World Cup squad positions intensifies significantly.
A key area of debate centers around who will lead the attack for the Stars and Stripes this summer. While scoring remains paramount to success, Pochettino's chosen striker must also complement the team's tactical approach and help restore Christian Pulisic's form, as the winger struggles through a ten-match drought without finding the net or providing an assist for AC Milan.
Fortunately, several candidates made strong impressions this past weekend, showcasing their capabilities to Pochettino. Here's how they and other top USMNT performers fared during the latest round of fixtures.
Folarin Balogun
Folarin Balogun
The leading candidate for the striker position, Folarin Balogun, has developed quite the reputation against Paris Saint-Germain. Few players can claim such success against the reigning Champions League winners and one of Europe's elite clubs, but the 24-year-old forward has made it his specialty.
After netting twice in the Champions League clash—despite Monaco's elimination by PSG—Balogun delivered another goal and assist in a satisfying 3–1 league victory. His contributions not only lifted Monaco to seventh place but also significantly damaged PSG's title defense hopes—Lens now trail by just one point following their weekend triumph over Metz.
With 13 goals this campaign, Balogun finally found the target from beyond the box for the first time. Pochettino surely took notice, given the USMNT's well-documented struggles with long-range shooting throughout their 2025 fixtures, while the 24-year-old's link-up play and transition involvement kept Monaco dangerous on the break.
Haji Wright
Haji Wright
Haji Wright possesses World Cup pedigree—having scored during the USMNT's round of 16 loss to the Netherlands in Qatar 2022—and stands poised to build on that experience if he maintains his current form driving Coventry City toward promotion.
The Sky Blues, under Chelsea and England icon Frank Lampard's guidance, once held a commanding lead before a rough patch allowed Middlesbrough and other pursuers to narrow the Championship gap. Recent improvements have coincided with Wright's prolific scoring streak.
His 16th goal of the season keeps him within one of Golden Boot leader Žan Vipotnik from Swansea City, extending his hot streak to six goals across five matches. The strike secured a crucial 2–0 victory at Bristol City, preserving Coventry's five-point cushion over Middlesbrough and nine-point margin above third-placed Millwall.
While Belgium and Portugal represent a considerable upgrade from England's second division, Wright's current confidence levels couldn't be higher.
Chris Brady
Chris Brady
While the USMNT's starting goalkeeper position seems contested between New England Revolution's Matt Turner and New York City FC's Matt Freese, a third roster spot remains available—crucial considering potential injuries and suspensions—and 22-year-old Chicago Fire keeper Chris Brady is making his case.
Brady produced five saves during a goalless stalemate with Columbus Crew over the weekend, claiming Player of the Game recognition. To secure World Cup selection, he must maintain this standard while hoping FC Cincinnati's Roman Celentano, Colorado Rapids' Zack Steffen, and the Crew's Patrick Schulte don't overshadow his efforts in upcoming months.
Auston Trusty
Auston Trusty
Auston Trusty has experienced mixed fortunes with Celtic this season and remains on the periphery of USMNT consideration. With only five international appearances since his 2019 debut, Pochettino selecting him for the World Cup would be unexpected.
However, his tournament aspirations remain alive following his standout performance against Old Firm adversaries Rangers. Scotland's premier fixture failed to produce goals across 120 minutes but delivered plenty of excitement during the penalty shootout.
Trusty, who performed admirably in Celtic's clean sheet effort, maintained his composure from the spot and watched his team advance 4-2 to the Scottish Cup semifinals. "What an effort from the bhoys!! We keep moving forward...I bet you didn't expect me to take a pen Vamosss!!!" he shared on Instagram afterward.
Advancing into World Cup contention? The possibility remains very much alive.