Former U.S. international Herculez Gomez says Ricardo Pepi's availability and fitness could be the deciding factors in whether the PSV Eindhoven striker secures the starting No. 9 role for the USMNT at the 2026 World Cup. The 22-year-old forward recently returned for the Dutch champions after recovering from knee surgery that sidelined him for several months.
AFPPepi's finishing quality evident
The ESPN analyst noted that the position remains wide open for the USMNT ahead of the 2026 World Cup, presenting a significant opportunity for Pepi.
“I think he has shown, in the brief time he has played, this season and last season when fit, with the USMNT – if he’s fit – he is going to score goals,” Gomez said on Futbol Americas. “He’s got to stay fit, got to stay hungry. Because that No. 9 for the USMNT, if the World Cup is his bar, then it’s a wide open race. It was his, but if you’re not on the field, you’ve already lost it. And he’s not been on the field…
"I hear a player who is being told to stay patient and I see a player that, in flashes, shows you good things. But I’ve been there myself… I don’t know where he is, only he knows where he is. But he’s got to stay patient, he’s got to stay strong and he’s got to take his chances with the national team when they come.”
AdvertisementClub form shows promise
Since joining PSV Eindhoven in 2023, Pepi has shown glimpses of his potential, when available. The striker has contributed 34 goals in 78 appearances for the club, including key strikes in the Champions League.
However, a knee injury last season led him to miss a majority of the season, and he has only just recovered, scoring a brace against NEC Nijmegen upon his return to full fitness.
Striker competition intensifies
Pepi's fight for the starting role comes amid increasing competition from other American forwards. Folarin Balogun became the favorite after his strong performance in the September friendlies, while Patrick Agyemang endeared himself to Mauricio Pochettino during the Gold Cup.
AFPWorld Cup roster decisions ahead
With approximately nine months remaining before the 2026 World Cup, time is running short for players to solidify their positions in Pochettino's plans.
The upcoming international windows in October represent crucial evaluation opportunities.
