Josh Sargent’s goal drought with the United States men’s national team has lasted over five years. However, his performance for Norwich City in the EFL Championship has set the stage for a potential return to the USMNT. After netting against Portsmouth, he’s scored in three straight matches, leading Norwich to victories and cementing his status as a top striker in the competition.

Despite this, Sargent has not appeared for the national team since March of 2025. Among American forwards, only Antonee Robinson and Christian Pulisic are in better form, but Sargent’s record of 62 goals with Werder Bremen and Norwich eclipses Pulisic’s 52. With the World Cup approaching, the question shifts from whether Sargent can score for the national team to why he hasn’t been prioritized in the squad.

Other forwards, including Folarin Balogun, Patrick Agyemang, Ricardo Pepi, and Brian White, have seen more starts under coach Mauricio Pochettino. The absence of a standout striker means Sargent may finally get another chance during the upcoming international fixtures against South Korea and Japan. He aims to prove his capability to shine in a USMNT shirt and complement Pulisic effectively in attack.