‘A million percent still hungry' - USMNT and Coventry City forward Haji Wright not giving up on playing integral role in Copa America and 2026 FIFA World Cup

In an interview with The Athletic, the USMNT striker revealed that he is still in conversation with Gregg Berhalter about his role in the program. After leaving his mark at the 2022 FIFA World Cup with a knockout-round goal against the Netherlands, Wright has not appeared for the USMNT since. However, 2024 is a new season, and he's on fire in the English Championship with a new club, and a new position.

The striker, now turned winger, revealed that he is "a million percent still hungry to be in that group,” when referring to the USMNT attack. Now, with eight goals and five assists this campaign, it could certainly be a realization.

“I have a lot to prove and I’m still learning as a player, but I think I have a lot to offer to any team. I would love to be a part of it," Wright said. “I’ve spoken to Gregg [Berhalter] a few times since I came to Coventry. He has given me some words of encouragement and he just tells me to keep going. I spoke to him before my injury [an adductor tear in January] and it was a similar thing with him reassuring me they are watching."

Wright believes that, regardless of what others think, he is still in the picture - and that Berhalter has faith in him, as well. “It’s not just all for nothing as some people would say. He was telling me to keep going because with every goal I’m closer to the team.”

Now, with just two years until the 2026 FIFA World Cup - which is set to be hosted between Canada, Mexico and the United States - Wright believes he can play an integral role in the squad.

“I can only focus on what I can control and do my best to impress the coach and the staff,” he says. “Playing for the national team is an honor. To do so in my home country would be wonderful.”

His time with Berhalter and co. at the 2022 World Cup was crucial for his development, and now, he believes another go-around could lead to an even better opportunity. However, if the dream does not come to fruition, he will forever remember the initial experience, adding: “The whole World Cup experience was fantastic. Being around the guys and taking it all in.”

Wright currently has more goals than any other USMNT senior internationals competing in Europe, beating out the likes of Malik Tillman, Josh Sargent, Daryl Dike, Ricardo Pepi and current starter, Folarin Balogun. With his incredible 2024 form, it's hard to imagine his exclusion from the upcoming March CONCACAF Nations League semifinal vs Jamaica. However, with two major tournaments on the horizon this summer, nothing can be ruled out - and an opportunity may arise at any moment.

Coventry City are back in action on Sunday against Millwall as they look to climb up the table in the English Championship. The Sky Blues sit eighth in the league standings, one point out of the promotion playoff race.