EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is now just 86 days away from kickoff, the U.S. men’s national team selected El Paso native Ricardo Pepi to a 27-man roster for the team’s March camp.
The upcoming March international window marks the final break before this summer’s tournament, giving players one last opportunity to make their case for inclusion.
On Tuesday, head coach Mauricio Pochettino unveiled a 27-man United States roster for the March camp, which includes El Paso native Ricardo Pepi.
The PSV Eindhoven striker has racked up 13 goals and two assists this season across all competitions, including three goals in the UEFA Champions League.
Pepi’s most recent appearance for the U.S. came in November in a 2-1 victory over Paraguay, a team the Americans will face again in the World Cup group stage.
In this March window, the US will face off against European powers Belgium on March 28 and Portugal on March 31.
Off the field, Pepi is set for a major move. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Premier League side Fulham has agreed to a deal worth approximately $42 million for the 23-year-old forward. Pepi was close to joining Fulham during the January transfer window, and the move now appears set to be completed this summer.
Notably absent from the squad are fellow El Paso native Alex Zendejas and former El Paso Locomotive midfielder Diego Luna. Both players have recently returned from injury and were not included in this roster.
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