Toronto FC’s record signing Josh Sargent battles for a final USMNT roster spot in the upcoming World Cup under Mauricio Pochettino
Josh Sargent has entered a high-stakes chapter of his career as he fights to secure a place in the United States men’s national team for the 2026 World Cup. In a major move during the winter transfer window, the Missouri-born striker returned to North America, joining Toronto FC from Norwich City for a fee of $22 million, potentially rising to $27 million with add-ons, making him the most expensive American signing in MLS history.
Sargent is currently working to regain his clinical edge in a new environment while facing intense competition from a deep pool of USMNT forwards. Since his international debut in 2018, Sargent has earned 29 caps and scored five goals, and while he was a key figure in the 2022 World Cup squad, he is now fighting to prove his value on home soil this summer.
Who is Josh Sargent?
Josh Sargent was born in O’Fallon, Missouri, and grew up in a football-focused family. He rose to prominence as a historic youth prospect, becoming the first American to be called into the U-17, U-20, and senior national team camps within the same calendar year (2017).
His professional journey took him to Germany with Werder Bremen, where he scored on his Bundesliga debut in 2018, before moving to Norwich City in 2021 for approximately €9.5 million.
After several productive seasons in England, including a standout 2024/25 campaign where he was named Norwich’s Player of the Season, Sargent sought a fresh start and a return to North America to boost his visibility ahead of the World Cup.
Josh Sargent stats this season
The 2025/26 season has been a tale of two leagues for Sargent. Before his February transfer, he was a vital part of Norwich City’s attack in the EFL Championship, recording eight goals and three assists in 25 appearances.
Since joining Toronto FC in MLS, he has focused on integrating into the squad, making his debut in mid-March and featuring in two games in which he hasn’t managed to open his account.
What position does Josh Sargent play?
Sargent is a versatile modern No.9 who primarily operates as a centre-forward. Standing 6-foot-1, he is known for his hold-up play and aerial ability, but his greatest asset to the national team is his defensive work rate.
Sargent is one of the most effective pressing forwards in the US pool, often dropping deep to link play or leading the high press to win back possession.
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Josh Sargent transfer
The move to Toronto FC concluded a protracted and somewhat controversial transfer saga that dominated the early 2026 headlines. Sargent was briefly exiled to Norwich City’s under-21 squad after making himself unavailable for an FA Cup match in January to force a move.
Ultimately, the Canadian club secured his signature as a Designated Player on a contract running through the 2030/31 season.
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— Toronto FC (@TorontoFC) February 20, 2026
Josh Sargent salary and contract
Sargent’s deal reflects his status as one of the faces of the league, with a significant salary package that has not been disclosed and a record-breaking transfer fee that surpassed the previous high set by Heung-min Son’s move to LAFC. His return to MLS was driven by a desire to be closer to family and to lead Toronto’s resurgence as a league powerhouse.
Will Josh Sargent play in the 2026 World Cup?
Sargent’s spot on the final 26-man roster is currently one of the biggest question marks for coach Mauricio Pochettino.
While he brings World Cup experience and tactical intelligence, he is competing with the likes of Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi and Haji Wright for limited attacking spots.
Despite not being called up for the March international break, for Sargent the mission is clear, as a strong performance in MLS over the next two months is essential to convince Pochettino that his unique defensive contributions and veteran presence are indispensable for the USMNT’s home tournament.