The Opportunity for Josh Sargent in the USMNT September Friendlies
Sargent was called up for matches against Korea Republic and Japan
Josh Sargent was one of five forwards called into U.S. Men’s National Team camp ahead of international friendlies against Korea Republic (Sept. 6; Harrison, New Jersey) and Japan (Sept. 9; Columbus, Ohio).
Sargent last earned a USMNT roster spot in the Concacaf Nations League in March. In the Concacaf Gold Cup this summer, head coach Mauricio Pochettino opted to get a closer look at other strikers in the player pool. Now, Sargent has another opportunity this fall to prove himself.
Pochettino said he considers every facet of players: how they perform in USMNT camp, how they excel with their clubs and also how they react and respond when their name doesn’t get called.
Sargent showed fire after not getting the call-up last time around. Since Norwich City began its new season this month, Sargent has scored four goals in four straight matches in the EFL Championship and EFL Cup. He finished last season second in scoring for the Canaries with 15 goals.
Pochettino said no position is solidified as he and his staff want to get a close look at several players in the talent pool in the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the No. 9 is certainly one of them. In the Gold Cup, the U.S. featured Patrick Agyemang and Damian Downs at the position. Agyemang scored three goals in the tournament. Sargent, Downs, Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah and Alex Zendejas earned spots on this current roster.
“I think that it’s fair that all players that we are going to call, or we were calling in the past, have the possibility and the chance to show the quality and to convince us that they deserve to [have] a place on the National Team,” Pochettino said.
Sargent has that chance as camp begins Aug. 31 in New Jersey. The 25-year-old forward has 28 caps — including three in the 2022 FIFA World Cup — and five international goals to his name. The last time he scored for the USMNT was in 2019. With the clock ticking closer to the world's biggest sports tournament, Sargent is poised to make the most of the moment in the two upcoming friendlies.