With the 2026 FIFA World Cup less than a year away, the U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT) is back in action, and several key questions surround the team as they enter a crucial period. Stu Holden of FOX Sports has highlighted five burning questions that need answers in the upcoming international window.
One major question is whether Josh Sargent can replicate his impressive club form for the United States. Sargent has been performing exceptionally well for Norwich City, consistently ranking among the best strikers in the English Championship for the past two seasons. Despite rumors of a potential summer transfer, he chose to stay with Norwich and has been scoring a variety of goals. However, his last goal for the USMNT was almost six years ago, on November 20, 2019. With only five goals in 28 appearances for the national team and having been left off the Gold Cup roster this summer, this international window could be his last chance to make a strong impression on manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Historically, the No. 9 position in the USMNT has been utilized more as a hold-up or false 9 role, designed to create space for players running behind the defense. This often meant that Sargent wasn't frequently in a position to finish plays in front of the goal. Pochettino utilized Patrick Agyemang throughout the Gold Cup as a player to stretch defenses and participate in build-up play, but Agyemang's finishing was inconsistent, a common theme among recent USMNT No. 9s. Sargent started against Panama in the Concacaf Nations League semifinals in March but did not play against Canada. This upcoming window represents a second chance for him to solidify his role.
These international matches in September are crucial for the USMNT as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup. With several prominent players absent, including Gio Reyna, Weston McKennie, and Yunus Musah, there are new faces and returning players eager to prove themselves. The answers to these burning questions will likely shape the team's strategy and roster selection as the World Cup approaches.
