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Josh Sargent’s USMNT World Cup Hopes Hinge on Off-Season Transfer
Updated: | First published:
Written by Nick Slade, Chief Content Officer
Reviewed by Jason Bevilacqua
An off-season transfer could be exactly what Josh Sargent needs to boost his chances of making the next USMNT squad in September.
Josh Sargent is coming off a breakout season at Norwich City, where he scored 16 goals in 26 starts and consistently looked like one of the most dangerous forwards in the Championship. Yet somehow, he wasn’t called up for the U.S. Men’s National Team’s Gold Cup roster. For many, it’s a baffling decision - but it might also be a sign of what’s required to break into the national team setup in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
An off-season transfer could be exactly what Sargent needs to boost his chances of making the next USMNT squad, which is set to gather ahead of friendlies against South Korea and Japan in September.
With Mauricio Pochettino now leading the USMNT, the standard is shifting. The Argentine tactician has coached at the highest levels of European football, managing clubs like Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain, and most recently Chelsea.
He’s known for demanding high-intensity pressing, positional intelligence, and players who thrive in top-level competition. For someone like Sargent, still playing outside the top flight, the message is clear: prove yourself against the best, or risk being left out.
Sargent has shown he has the tools. His finishing has become more refined, his movement more instinctive, and his energy remains relentless. He’s grown into a well-rounded striker - capable of dropping deep, linking play, and leading the line. But even a prolific season in the Championship doesn’t carry the same weight as consistent performances in the Premier League or another elite European league.
Pochettino’s system rewards strikers who can press from the front and adapt tactically on the fly - traits Sargent already demonstrates. But to truly catch the coach’s eye, he needs to be doing it against the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool - not West Bromwich Albion and QPR. A summer move to a Premier League side - especially one where he can get regular minutes - could be the difference between watching the World Cup from home or playing in it on home soil.
From a betting angle, this situation is one to watch. If you're scouting long shots for top scorer (Golden Boot) props or “to make the 2026 roster” World Cup futures when they open, Sargent is an undervalued name. A transfer to the Premier League would immediately increase his visibility and shorten his odds in just about every market tied to the USMNT. Smart bettors know that timing is everything, and Sargent’s career is at a pivotal moment.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the biggest opportunity the U.S. has had since 1994 to make a statement on the global stage. With games on home turf and a golden generation forming, there’s no room for fringe players. Sargent has the talent to be more than that. But to get into Mauricio Pochettino’s plans, he needs to make a move - and soon.
To give you the most accurate and helpful information, this article has been reviewed and edited by Jason Bevilacqua through our fact-checking process.
Nick Slade, with nearly two decades of experience, is the Chief Content Officer at Cipher Sports Technology Group, overseeing content for Dimers. He specializes in soccer, NBA, and NHL betting, leveraging predictive analytics and machine learning to provide accurate betting insights.
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