Josh Sargent is on fire in England but his place in the U.S. Men’s National Team remains anything but secure.

The 25-year-old Norwich City striker has been banging in goals in the EFL Championship with a consistency that rivals any American forward abroad. His resurgence this season, following injury setbacks, has reignited talk of his talent and potential. Yet as the USMNT endures a tough Nations League campaign and heads toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Sargent’s name remains curiously absent from recent call-ups by new head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

Sargent has tallied double-digit goals already this season, often carrying Norwich’s attack with his mobility, pressing, and sharp finishing. His intelligent link-up play and willingness to track back have drawn praise from fans and pundits alike. Despite this, he remains on the periphery of a U.S. squad in need of attacking solutions.

Coach Pochettino has largely leaned on other options notably Ricardo Pepi, Jesús Ferreira, and Folarin Balogun when shaping his forward line. Some argue that Sargent’s profile doesn’t perfectly match Pochettino’s tactical style, which relies on high pressing and quick transitions. Others believe the omission is harder to justify, especially given the national team’s recent struggles in front of goal.

When asked about Sargent’s exclusion, Pochettino was diplomatic: “Josh is a talented player, and we are monitoring his progress. Competition for places is high, and we have to make difficult decisions.”

The absence is puzzling for many, especially considering the lack of consistent scoring from the current U.S. striking pool. Sargent, with prior World Cup experience and a maturing presence in England’s rough-and-tumble second tier, offers a blend of international experience and club-level form that could prove invaluable in high-stakes tournaments.

From a player’s perspective, Sargent has stayed focused. “I can only control what I do here,” he said after a recent match. “If the call comes, I’ll be ready. Until then, I just want to keep scoring and helping Norwich.”

The 2026 World Cup looms large and with it, questions about how the USMNT will shape its final roster. If Sargent continues his scoring streak, the pressure on the coaching staff to give him a chance will only grow. In a team craving form and fearlessness, Josh Sargent might be exactly what they need even if they don’t know it yet.