Mauricio Pochettino Explains Why He Picked Folarin Balogun Over Ricardo Pepi For USMNT

Folarin Balogun was named to the 25-man USMNT roster as Mauricio Pochettino looks to help the striker regain his rhythm following a difficult summer and limited playing time with AS Monaco.

The announcement immediately sparked debate across American soccer circles.

Supporters and analysts quickly focused on the absence of striker Ricardo Pepi.

Pepi has been developing his game in the Netherlands with PSV Eindhoven.

Yet, when the latest roster dropped, Pochettino opted to go in a different direction.

This squad represents the team's second international camp since the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

It is also the first window under Pochettino that will feature competitive matches.

The United States is preparing for an upcoming CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal fixture against Haiti.

Given the stakes of knockout football, every selection decision carries immense weight.

Pochettino faced immediate media inquiries regarding his forward choices.

The head coach delivered a direct explanation for favoring Balogun over Pepi.

BUILDING CONFIDENCE AFTER A TOUGH SUMMER

Balogun's recent months at club level have not been simple.

The forward endured a difficult summer transfer window in Europe.

A proposed last-minute transfer to Premier League outfit Everton collapsed.

Following that failed deal, Balogun struggled to secure regular minutes with AS Monaco.

Pochettino saw the international window as an opportunity to support his striker.

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

The USMNT manager believes international duty can provide the spark Balogun needs.

Stepping away from club frustrations often allows players to reset mentally.

Pochettino wants to create an environment where Balogun feels valued and empowered.

"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," the manager explained.

For Pochettino, national team duty is not only about rewarding current form.

It is also a tool for player rehabilitation and psychological growth.

Balogun remains a critical part of the long-term vision for the program.

THE DECISION SURROUNDING RICARDO PEPI

Pepi's omission was the central talking point for fans and pundits alike.

Pepi has built a reputation as a lethal finisher when given opportunities.

However, physical conditioning emerged as the decisive factor in Pochettino's assessment.

The manager revealed that neither Balogun nor Pepi arrived at this camp in peak condition.

"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 said.

Pepi recently made an appearance for PSV Eindhoven on the pitch.

That brief outing was not enough to convince the coaching staff to fly him across the globe.

"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 stated.

Pochettino determined that intense travel would disrupt Pepi's road to full match fitness.

Leaving the forward in Eindhoven was viewed as the best path forward for the player's season.

"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," Pochettino explained.

Pepi's absence, along with that of winger Tim Weah, generated immediate frustration among players who missed out.

Media platforms like The Cooligans podcast, hosted by Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros, debated whether Pepi was unfairly snubbed.

Yet Pochettino stands firm on his holistic physical management plan.

BALOGUN'S RECORD ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE

While his recent domestic minutes have lagged, Balogun carries established pedigree for the national team.

The Monaco forward has accumulated 31 caps for the United States senior team.

He has found the back of the net 12 times in those international appearances.

That scoring record gives Pochettino confidence in Balogun's ability to produce when called upon.

International tournaments demand forwards who understand the tempo of regional competition.

Balogun has already experienced the physical demands of CONCACAF fixtures.

Pochettino recognizes that scoring goals for your country can instantly revitalize club form.

A strong camp with the USMNT could provide Balogun the momentum he desperately needs in France.

THE EMERGENCE OF YOUNG ATTACKERS

Pochettino's forward balance was also shaped by the remarkable rise of young prospects.

Youngsters Julian Hall and Justin Ellis earned places in the 25-man squad.

Both players made eye-catching debuts during the national team's previous training camp.

Hall made an instant impression by scoring three goals in his opening appearances.

Ellis followed closely behind, netting twice to turn heads within the technical staff.

Crucially, both teenagers enter this competitive window at complete, 100 percent fitness.

Their sharp physical condition gave Pochettino tactical flexibility.

With Hall and Ellis providing sharpness, Pochettino could carry Balogun as he works back to form.

Alongside other emerging talents like Cavan Sullivan, Mathis Albert, and Neil Pierre, the roster showcases a clear youth movement.

Senior mainstays are now sharing the locker room with the program's next generation.

A BROADER SQUAD IN TRANSITION

Pochettino is managing a wide and evolving pool of talent.

Senior regulars Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Sergiño Dest have all returned to the roster.

Those veterans had been rested during a previous camp that produced four friendly wins.

During those earlier friendlies, Pochettino tested 13 then-uncapped players to evaluate the wider pool.