The United States have reached the World Cup knockout stage, but Mauricio Pochettino now faces one of his biggest tactical puzzles of the tournament: how to replace suspended striker Folarin Balogun against Belgium.
Balogun’s red card in the 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina has left the USMNT without one of their most important attacking weapons for Monday’s round-of-16 clash in Seattle. The decision remains a major talking point among American fans, especially because FIFA rules prevent the federation from appealing the suspension unless there is a case of mistaken identity or a longer ban to challenge.
For Pochettino, the frustration must now give way to planning. Balogun had not only scored against Bosnia, but also provided the kind of movement in behind that gives the USA’s attack depth and danger. Without him, the team must find a different rhythm against a Belgium side that will punish any lack of sharpness.
The most obvious solution is Ricardo Pepi. The PSV forward has played far more minutes at this World Cup than Haji Wright and appears better suited to linking play with Christian Pulisic. Pepi’s ability to drop short, combine quickly and release runners could become vital if the USA cannot rely on Balogun’s direct runs behind the defence.
There is also a clear reason not to move Pulisic into the No. 9 role. That experiment has been tried before and did not bring out the best in him. Pulisic is far more dangerous when he can receive the ball facing goal, attack space and create from wider or supporting areas. Against Belgium, he will already carry a huge creative burden. Asking him to wrestle with centre-backs as a central striker would risk limiting the USA’s most influential attacker.
Wright remains another option, especially if Pochettino wants more physical presence and aerial threat. Both Pepi and Wright offer more height than Balogun, which could make crosses from Antonee Robinson and Sergiño Dest more important. However, the delivery will need to improve if the USA want to turn that advantage into real chances.
The emotional side of Balogun’s absence is also important. Pulisic has already said the team now has his back, and that sense of injustice could become fuel. But emotion alone will not beat Belgium.
The USA must stay composed, press intelligently and make the right call up front. Balogun may be watching from the sideline, but if Pepi or Wright step up at the perfect moment, his World Cup story might not be over yet.
