Former USMNT star Alexi Lalas praised Haji Wright following the striker's match-winning brace against Australia, calling it a defining performance that establishes the Coventry City forward in Mauricio Pochettino's plans for the 2026 World Cup. Wright scored both goals in the USMNT's 2-1 victory over Australia on Tuesday night.

The USMNT boss has a roster emerging that he can trust, with several playing their way into - or out of - World Cup contention

The challenges of September are in the rearview mirror, as Wright scored twice and the U.S. dominated possession to beat Australia

U.S. international Haji Wright is back with the national team after being left out of the September squad, thanks to his strong recent form. The Coventry City forward sits among the Championship’s top scorers with eight goals. Yet U.S. icon Alexi Lalas cautions that club form - especially in England’s second tier - doesn’t always translate to international success.

United States international Haji Wright maintained his strong scoring form with Coventry City's third goal in their commanding 5-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday on Oct. 4. The American striker's latest finish brings his Championship tally to eight goals in just nine appearances this season, with that rising to 10 goal contributions in 11 appearances across all competitions.