Strikers Agyemang and Wright Vie for Final USMNT World Cup Roster Spot

Pochettino to choose between Championship standouts for third striker role on U.S. squad

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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As the U.S. Men's National Team prepares for the 2026 World Cup, the battle for the third striker spot on the roster is heating up between Patrick Agyemang of Derby County and Haji Wright of Coventry City. Both players have been in strong form in the English Championship, with Agyemang scoring 10 goals this season and Wright netting 13, including a recent hat trick. The decision will come down to which player can impress manager Mauricio Pochettino in the upcoming March international window.

Why it matters

The U.S. striker pool has been a point of emphasis and uncertainty leading up to major tournaments, and Pochettino will need to identify the right combination of forwards to lead the team's attack. Agyemang and Wright are both vying to cement their place on the World Cup roster and make an impact in the tournament.

The details

Patrick Agyemang, a 6-foot-4 striker, left MLS club Charlotte FC last summer to join Derby County in the English Championship. He has been a consistent goal scorer, tallying 10 goals so far this season. Meanwhile, Haji Wright has 13 goals for Coventry City, including a hat trick in a recent 3-1 win over Middlesbrough. Both players are hoping to earn a spot on the U.S. roster, which Pochettino said will essentially be decided in the March international window.

  • Agyemang was last called up to the USMNT in October 2022 but did not play.
  • Wright's last appearance for the U.S. was in the 2022 Gold Cup final against Mexico.
  • The 2026 World Cup roster is expected to be announced in May 2026.

The players

Patrick Agyemang

A 6-foot-4 striker who plays for Derby County in the English Championship, where he has scored 10 goals so far this season.

Haji Wright

A striker for Coventry City in the English Championship, he has scored 13 goals this season, including a hat trick in a recent 3-1 win.

Mauricio Pochettino

The current manager of the U.S. Men's National Team, who will be tasked with selecting the World Cup roster, including the third striker spot.

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What’s next

The March international window will be a crucial period for Agyemang and Wright to impress Pochettino and secure their place on the U.S. World Cup roster.

The takeaway

The battle for the third striker spot on the USMNT World Cup roster is wide open, with Agyemang and Wright both making strong cases through their performances in the English Championship. Pochettino will have a tough decision to make, but the March camp will be pivotal in determining who earns the final forward position on the U.S. squad.