Josh Sargent's World Cup Snub: Impact on Toronto FC and MLS Season
The U.S. men’s national team for the 2026 World Cup will feature 13 players with previous World Cup experience, while also missing 13 key players from the previous tournament, including Josh Sargent. Sargent, along with other forwards like Jordan Morris and Jesús Ferreira, was not selected for the squad by manager Mauricio Pochettino, who opted for Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, and Haji Wright as the team's strikers. Sargent, who recently moved to Toronto FC from Norwich City, has struggled to find his form with the USMNT, with his last goal for the national team dating back to October 2019. Despite showing promise in MLS with Toronto FC, Sargent has been plagued by injuries, affecting his chances of making a late push for the World Cup squad. As Toronto FC gears up for the MLS season, Sargent will have some time off before rejoining the team for a crucial match against CF Montréal on July 16. Toronto FC is currently aiming to secure a spot in the MLS Cup playoffs after missing out in recent years.