Ricardo Pepi appears to be the leading replacement. The report says he started twice in the group stage and came off the bench in the other matches, making him the most familiar option for Pochettino.
Pepi’s hold-up play could help the United States attack through longer phases and bring midfield runners into the game. His reported 19-goal season for PSV also gives the decision a proven scoring dimension.
Haji Wright would produce a different threat. He has reportedly played only one minute at the tournament, but his movement into the channels could stretch Belgium’s centre-backs and create room for wide attackers.
A more radical option would see Gio Reyna operate as a false nine. That could pull Brandon Mechele and Arthur Theate away from their preferred positions, opening central lanes for runners such as Tim Weah and Brenden Aaronson.
Belgium have reportedly averaged 57% possession across four matches and held the ball in all of them. The USA, meanwhile, have averaged 58%, so Pochettino’s team should not surrender control automatically.
Kevin De Bruyne and Youri Tielemans remain central to Belgium’s progression, while Jérémy Doku and Leandro Trossard provide width before cutting inside. That structure can leave spaces around the full-backs and defensive midfield, particularly when attacks break down.
The United States’ best route may be quick switches to the wings, followed by aggressive runs behind the Belgian defence. The report also places Belgium’s presence in the final third at 65%, but territorial dominance has not always produced defensive security.
The lineup announcement before the next fixture will settle the central question: whether Pochettino chooses Pepi’s control, Wright’s running power or Reyna’s fluidity to replace Balogun.