Mauricio Pochettino Explains Omitting Ricardo Pepi for Balogun, Hall, and Ellis

Mauricio Pochettino opted to omit PSV striker Ricardo Pepi from the USMNT's 25-man CONCACAF Nations League roster while selecting Folarin Balogun alongside young forwards Julian Hall and Justin Ellis.

The decision immediately triggered intense debate among American soccer fans.

Supporters had grown accustomed to seeing Pepi lead the line in major international windows.

Now, the manager has chosen a completely different attacking setup for the upcoming two-leg knockout matches against Haiti.

The roster marks the team's second international camp since the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Crucially, it also represents the program's first camp featuring competitive matches since that tournament concluded.

POCHETTINO ADDRESSES THE STRIKER ROTATION

Pochettino did not shy away from addressing the high-profile omission when unveiling his squad.

The Argentine tactician laid out a clear fitness and developmental rationale for leaving Pepi in the Netherlands.

Pepi recently earned game action at the club level, but the coach felt he was still working his way back.

"That is why I think the balance, because Justin and Julian, they are fully fit, I go a little bit ahead, that is why we didn't bring, even if we played a few minutes last week, Pepi, Ricardo," Pochettino explained.

The manager emphasized that long-term physical conditioning outweighed short-term national team minutes.

"But I think in our way to see and assess the players, we decided much better to keep him training (with PSV) and establish himself being more solid in his fitness and be more confident to attack the future."

Leaving an in-form European club forward out of a competitive quarterfinal remains a bold coaching decision.

Yet Pochettino insisted that managing workloads across the entire attacking pool remains vital.

THE BALOGUN DILEMMA

Pochettino's choice became even more fascinating given the selection of Folarin Balogun.

Balogun has encountered significant obstacles at club level with AS Monaco in Ligue 1 this season.

The forward has struggled for consistent playing time after a deadline-day transfer to Premier League side Everton fell apart late this summer.

Pochettino recognized that Balogun is also seeking peak sharpness.

However, the coaching staff viewed this particular international window as a crucial lifeline for the Monaco striker.

"It's a great opportunity to keep helping him (Balogun) to evolve after a tough summer, after the World Cup," Pochettino stated.

The manager weighed both players before concluding that he could not justify carrying two forwards working toward full sharpness.

"That is why we didn't want to bring both, because I think both are not 100%, but I think the combination in between Balogun, Ellis and Hall is perfect."

Pochettino expressed genuine enthusiasm about working directly with Balogun again during this window.

"Yes, happy to see again Balogun because I think after the World Cup, we have the possibility to see and it's a great opportunity for him to keep improving his confidence."

Balogun provides plenty of proven pedigree on the international stage.

The 23-year-old forward has already earned 31 senior caps for the United States.

Across those appearances, Balogun has delivered 12 goals for his country.

THE RISE OF HALL AND ELLIS

While Balogun supplies veteran tournament experience, the remainder of the central striking corps represents an aggressive youth movement.

Julian Hall and Justin Ellis both earned their spots thanks to explosive showings in the previous international window.

Both teenage attackers made their senior national team debuts during the last camp.

Neither player hesitated under the bright lights of senior international football.

Hall made an immediate splash by finding the back of the net three times during that camp.

Ellis proved equally clinical by scoring two goals of his own during his first taste of senior action.

Their sharp form and clean bills of health gave Pochettino the tactical flexibility he desired.

Because Hall and Ellis are fully fit, they can shoulder heavy running demands against Haiti.

That physical readiness allowed the staff to take a calculated chance on Balogun while keeping Pepi at PSV.

VETERAN RECALLS AND FRESH FACES

The 25-man selection is far from an entirely experimental group.

Pochettino recalled several pillar figures who were rested during the previous camp.

Christian Pulisic returns to headline the attack alongside Borussia Dortmund playmaker Gio Reyna.

Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie and PSV defender Sergiño Dest have also rejoined the fold.

All of those core senior stars had been left out of the prior window when Pochettino tested 13 uncapped players.

That youth-heavy group performed admirably, securing four consecutive friendly victories.

Now, Pochettino is blending those seasoned veterans with the most impressive prospects from that experiment.

Two more uncapped players will also experience their first senior camp under Pochettino.

Nashville SC defender Reed Baker-Whiting earned his maiden call-up to the senior team.