The United States men’s national team have many roster spots sewn up for the 2026 World Cup, health-pending, but the center forward position is anything but straight-forward.

The two biggest names have just returned from long-term injuries, two free-scoring men are currently out of action, and a pair of English Championship high-flyers have had to work for their opportunities under Mauricio Pochettino.

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And there are more options, too, of course.

Folarin Balogun, Damion Downs, and Josh Sargent are in the squad for this month’s friendlies against South Korea and Japan. Perhaps they are in the driver’s seat because of availability, but there could be many twists and turns before the USMNT kick off Group D action on June 12, 2026, at SoFi Stadium in C

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