USA projected lineup vs. Belgium without suspended Folarin Balogun
· Yahoo Sports
The United States reached the round of 16 with a 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, but it lost its leading scorer in the process. Folarin Balogun was sent off on a controversial red card and is suspended for Monday's knockout game against Belgium at Lumen Field in Seattle. That leaves coach Mauricio Pochettino with one big call, and not much else to change.
Projected USA lineup vs. Belgium
Goalkeeper: Matt Freese
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Defenders: Sergino Dest, Chris Richards, Tim Ream, Alex Freeman, Antonee Robinson
Midfielders: Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Malik Tillman
Forwards: Christian Pulisic, Ricardo Pepi
Who replaces Folarin Balogun?
Ricardo Pepi is the pick almost everyone agrees on. He has been Pochettino's clear backup, started against Australia and Turkey at this tournament, and set up Christian Pulisic's goal in a pre-tournament win over Senegal. He score 19 goals for PSV Eindhoven last season.
Balogun's play let the U.S. build its attack around him. So the shape of the U.S. attack might look different with Pepi in there.
The alternative
Haji Wright is closer to Balogun's speed and attack, but he has barely played. He had one late cameo as his only appearance in the 2026 World Cup.
Why no other changes?
The back five held it together when they had to play a man down after Balogun's red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, and midfielders Adams, McKennie and Tillman have been powering the run.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: USA projected lineup vs. Belgium without suspended Folarin Balogun