Striker Ricardo Pepi, a San Elizario native, made his World Cup debut off the bench for the United States in its opening match against Paraguay in Los Angeles.
Pepi came off the bench in the second half for Folarin Balogun, who scored twice, marking his World Cup debut for the United States.
Ricardo Pepi #9 of the United States is challenged by Alejandro Romero Gamarra #17 of Paraguay during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between USA and Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium on June 12, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
Pepi entered in the 72nd minute as the U.S. conceded shortly after, though he was not involved in the play. He nearly made an impact late, getting a look from the edge of the 18-yard box in the 87th minute, but sent his shot over the crossbar.
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The US Men’s National Team secured a record-breaking 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their 2026 World Cup opener.
Orlando Gill #12 of Paraguay makes a save from Ricardo Pepi #9 of the United States during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between USA and Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium on June 12, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
Learn about Pepi US soccer player
The 23-year-old San Elizario native rose through the FC Dallas Academy after joining at 13 and made his senior debut at 16 in 2019. He spent three seasons as the club’s starting striker before moving to Bundesliga side FC Augsburg, followed by a loan to FC Groningen in the Netherlands.
He signed with PSV Eindhoven in 2023 for $9.8 million and helped the club win the 2023–24 Eredivisie title, scoring 16 goals in 26 appearances this season.
Pepi was left off the U.S. roster for the 2022 World Cup, making this his first appearance in the tournament. He has one assist in three recent friendlies with the national team.
Where is Ricardo Pepi from?
Pepi is from San Elizario, Texas, In El Paso County.
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Ricardo Pepi age
Pepi is 23 years old.
US forward #09 Ricardo Pepi and Paraguay’s midfielder #17 Alejandro Romero Gamarra fight for the ball during the 2026 World Cup Group D football match between USA and Paraguay at the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on June 12, 2026.
The 28-year-old Alejandro Zendejas grew up on the West Side of El Paso, having been born in Juárez, and attended Hornedo Middle School when he was called up to the FC Dallas Academy as a 13-year-old in 2012.
He worked his way up to the senior club, and when he made his FC Dallas debut in 2015 at 17, he was the youngest player in MLS.
El Paso Times reporter Bret Bloomquist contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso’s Ricardo Pepi makes 2026 World Cup debut for US soccer