Ricardo Pepi's Odds to Score vs. Türkiye

Charlie Zschau Updated: 1 hour ago

Ricardo Pepi earned his first start at the World Cup against Australia, and will search for his first World Cup goal against Türkiye on Thursday.

23-year-old Ricardo Pepi is expected to start a second consecutive World Cup match for the United States Men's National Team against Türkiye on Thursday.

Pepi deputised for the injured Christian Pulisic in a 2-0 win against Australia last week, after coming off the bench in the first match against Paraguay. The United States have all but clinched the top spot in Group D, and have the ability to rotate their squad against a talented Türkiye team.

Pepi started alongside forward Folarin Balogun against Australia, but Mauricio Pochettino could opt to rest Balogun and have Pepi start alone up front in the final group stage match.

Pepi took one shot in each of the first two games with a total of 92 minutes on the field. Pepi has scored 13 goals and added five assists for the USMNT in 39 appearances, and he could be due for his first goal in the 2026 World Cup.

At 6' 1", Pepi is an instinctual striker who's size makes him an aerial presence in the box. Pepi is is a hard worker, particularly under Pochettino, as he's trying to impress the Argentine coach to get minutes on a very deep and talented roster.

A goal for Pepi against Türkiye would go a long way for the young forward who is at risk of losing his spot as the first choice backup to Haji Wright for the knockout rounds of the World Cup.