Folarin Balogun has been one of the standout performers of the World Cup for the United States, scoring three goals so far. He also had a goal ruled out for offside and struck the crossbar against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but the match ended on a frustrating note for the AS Monaco striker.
In the 64th minute, Balogun was shown a straight red card following a VAR review. Brazilian referee Ramon Abatti Abel ruled that the forward's challenge amounted to serious foul play after his trailing foot caught the calf of Tarik Muharemović. The decision came despite the absence of any appeals from the Bosnia and Herzegovina players, with the incident appearing far more severe in slow-motion replays than at full speed.
Balogun appeared to be attempting to plant his foot rather than make contact with his opponent, with little indication he was even aware of Muharemović's leg. Many observers, including former USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino, felt the dismissal was overly harsh and believed the referee made the wrong call.
With Balogun suspended for the Round of 16 clash against Belgium, attention has turned to who should lead the line for the USMNT. Mauricio Pochettino faces a key selection decision as the United States look for the goals needed to reach the quarter-finals. Here are the three players in contention to step in and fill the striker role.
Haji Wright
Haji Wright is the closest like-for-like replacement for Folarin Balogun, with his blend of pace, power and physicality capable of troubling Belgium's defence. However, match fitness remains a concern.
He has not played more than 15 minutes in a game since May, making it unlikely he could last the full 90 minutes. That lack of sharpness may prevent him from starting, although he looks an ideal option to make an impact from the bench in the second half.
Belgium's defence showed vulnerabilities in its victory over Senegal, with the partnership of Brandon Mechele and Arthur Theate often left exposed by the space between them. Wright's direct running and ability to stretch defences could exploit those weaknesses.
His outstanding club form, scoring 17 goals in 31 Championship matches to help Coventry City secure promotion, could yet persuade Mauricio Pochettino to make a bold selection. Can he score for USMNT to fire them to the quarter finals?
Ricardo Pepi
Ricardo Pepi is the straightforward replacement, having established himself as the back-up to Balogun. However, his inconsistency in front of goal at international level is likely to concern both Pochettino and USMNT supporters.
The centre-forward ranks ahead of Wright thanks to his pedigree and recent experience at the highest level. He scored 19 goals in 31 appearances for PSV Eindhoven across the Dutch Eredivisie and the UEFA Champions League, producing those impressive numbers despite recovering from multiple injuries.
Pepi will also look to exploit Belgium's defensive vulnerability with direct runs in behind the back line, offering the United States a constant threat on the attack either through coming short or running in behind if USMNT go direct.
Christian Pulisic
Deploying Christian Pulisic in a more central role, potentially as a false nine, would create room for another technically gifted attacker such as Brenden Aaronson or Gio Reyna, adding greater fluidity and creativity to the USA's front line.
Pulisic has the pace to exploit Belgium's high defensive line with runs in behind, while his composure in front of goal makes him a genuine scoring threat. However, using him as a false nine would represent a significant tactical shift.
The role demands that he drop into midfield to link play rather than consistently stretch the back line, potentially disrupting the attacking structure and chemistry that have carried the United States to this stage of the tournament.
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