USMNT forward has one week to secure move or risk missing 2026 World Cup plans
Josh Sargent’s club future has suddenly become one of the most pressing storylines for the US men’s national team (USMNT), with the Norwich City striker running out of time to secure a move before the transfer window shuts.
With the 2026 World Cup on home soil fast approaching, Sargent’s next decision could define whether he remains part of the USMNT picture or drifts out of contention entirely.
The 25-year-old is pushing for an exit from Norwich following a reported fallout with the Championship club and has already turned down interest from two Premier League sides, Leeds United and Sunderland.
Instead, Sargent is said to be holding out for a return to the United States, with Major League Soccer (MLS) outfit Toronto FC emerging as his preferred destination.
That stance, however, comes with significant risk.
Sargent has scored just twice for Norwich since late August and has struggled for consistent minutes during the first half of the season. His lack of club impact has carried over to the international stage, where he has been left out of Mauricio Pochettino’s last two USMNT camps and has not featured in the national team’s previous five matches.
With only one week remaining in the transfer window, time is now a critical factor.
World Cup implications for the USMNT
The United States are no longer short of attacking options, and competition for forward places is arguably fiercer than at any point in recent memory. Ricardo Pepi continues to score regularly in Europe, Folarin Balogun remains a key part of the setup, Haji Wright offers physicality and experience, while younger talents like Diego Luna and Brenden Aaronson add versatility and energy.
In that context, Sargent’s absence has not gone unnoticed.
For national team coaches, club form and match sharpness are non-negotiable, particularly with World Cup preparations beginning to intensify in 2026. Remaining in limbo at Norwich, or spending months without meaningful minutes, could see Sargent slip further down the pecking order.
A move to MLS could provide immediate playing time, a leadership role, and renewed confidence, especially in a league that has become increasingly influential within the USMNT ecosystem. Toronto FC, in particular, could offer Sargent a platform to be a focal point rather than a rotational option.
Sky Sports News has been told it is difficult to see how Josh Sargent can play for Norwich again, following a heated row between him and the club’s sporting director 🚨😬 pic.twitter.com/YyWui11n3F
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) January 22, 2026
A calculated gamble or a necessary reset?
Rejecting Premier League interest may seem counterintuitive, but the reported offers from Leeds and Sunderland may not have guaranteed the consistent starts Sargent needs. For a striker fighting to revive his international relevance, minutes matter more than the league badge.
Former US internationals have often stressed the importance of rhythm over reputation, and Sargent’s situation appears to fit that mould. The next week could determine whether he re-enters the USMNT conversation or watches the World Cup approach from the outside.
For a player once seen as a long-term attacking pillar for the United States, the margin for error is now razor thin.