The Five Best USMNT World Cup Striker Options—Ranked

Sports Illustrated ranks the five best striker options for the USMNT ahead of the 2026 World Cup roster announcement, with Ricardo Pepi and Folarin Balogun identified as the top contenders jockeying for the starting role under manager Mauricio Pochettino. The article notes there are three clear striker options set to be named to the roster on Tuesday. Pochettino has already assembled a 55-man preliminary pool as the final roster selection approaches.