El Paso’s Ricardo Pepi will start for the USMNT in its second 2026 FIFA World Cup match vs. Australia.
The official lineup for the USMT was released, with Pepi starting as a forward. The United States plays Australia at 1 p.m. MT/ 2 p.m. CST on Thursday, June 19, in Seattle, Washington.
Pepi will replace Christian Pulisic, who is out today with a calf injury against Paraguay in the 4-1 win on June 12.
Ricardo Pepi high school
Pepi attended Coronado High School in El Paso. He joined FC Dallas Academy at 13 and made his senior debut at 16 in 2019.
What time does the US soccer team play today?
The match starts at 1 p.m. MT/ 2 p.m. CT and will air on FOX.
Pepi USMNT World Cup debut
Pepi came off the bench during the United States’ 4-1 win over Paraguay in its World Cup opener on June 12. He entered in the second half for Folarin Balogun, who scored twice, as Pepi made his World Cup debut for the U.S.
Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Ricardo Pepi to start over Christian Pulisic for USMNT vs. Australia
Reporting by Felix F. Chavez, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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By Felix F. Chavez, El Paso Times | USA TODAY Network
