USMNT calls in Damion Downs after Ricardo Pepi injury

Damion Downs has joined the U.S. squad after Ricardo Pepi was ruled out, changing the forward options for the upcoming international window.

Verified update

The United States men's national team has called up Damion Downs after forward Ricardo Pepi was ruled out through injury. Pepi was hurt while playing for PSV Eindhoven, forcing a change to Mauricio Pochettino's squad for the upcoming run of international friendlies. Downs, 22, is currently on loan at St. Louis City from Southampton and already has senior international experience with the United States. He has six caps and previously scored the deciding penalty in a 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup quarterfinal shootout against Costa Rica. His inclusion adds another young option to a U.S. attacking group that also features several emerging players. The team is scheduled to begin its next run of friendlies against Peru before facing Chile, Mexico and Canada. Downs could also have the chance to appear in St. Louis when the U.S. plays Chile at Energizer Park. Pepi's absence removes one of the more established striker options from the group, so the upcoming matches will offer the coaching staff another opportunity to evaluate depth at the position. FanSportly will update this page if the federation announces further roster changes or new information on Pepi's recovery.