Empire State Review Contributor 
Ricardo Pepi, the talented American soccer forward playing for PSV Eindhoven, is facing a significant setback after suffering a broken arm during an Eredivisie match on Sunday, January 11, 2026. Pepi had an impactful start to the game, scoring an early goal and showcasing his usual clinical finishing ability. However, his performance was cut short after he fell awkwardly during a challenge, resulting in a broken arm. The injury occurred just moments after his goal, halting what looked like a promising outing for the young striker.
Pepi is now scheduled to undergo surgery to treat the injury, and medical staff have confirmed that he will be sidelined for at least two months while he recovers. The timeline for his recovery has raised concerns about his availability for upcoming international friendlies as the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) continues its preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The World Cup is set to begin this summer and will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With Pepi being a key player for both PSV Eindhoven and the USMNT, his absence could have significant implications for the national team as they fine-tune their roster and tactics ahead of the tournament.
Pepi’s injury comes at a particularly challenging time for the USMNT, as the team is scheduled to play a series of international friendlies in the months leading up to the World Cup. These matches are crucial for head coach Gregg Berhalter to assess his player pool and finalize his squad for the global competition. Pepi’s absence could impact the team’s offensive strategy and force Berhalter to rely on other forwards to step up in his place.
Despite the setback, there is optimism surrounding Pepi’s eventual return to the field. The 22-year-old has proven himself to be a dynamic and vital member of the USMNT in recent years, and his skillset makes him an essential part of the team’s long-term plans. As a versatile striker capable of playing in various attacking roles, Pepi has been instrumental in helping the national team secure key victories in qualifying matches and international competitions.
The recovery process will be closely monitored by both PSV Eindhoven and U.S. Soccer, as Pepi’s performance on the field is crucial to both the club and the national team’s success. While the injury could affect his participation in the friendlies, it is anticipated that Pepi will be a key figure for the USMNT once he is fully fit and ready to return to action. The forward’s potential return to the lineup for the World Cup would provide a significant boost to the team, especially as they look to make a deep run in the tournament on home soil.
In the meantime, the USMNT will continue to evaluate other attacking options to ensure that their offensive line is ready for the challenges of the World Cup. Although Pepi’s absence may temporarily disrupt the team’s plans, the hope remains that he will recover quickly and return to his best form in time to make an impact on the global stage. As one of the most promising young forwards in American soccer, Pepi’s journey back from injury will be closely followed by fans and analysts alike, all hoping for a successful return to form ahead of the summer’s highly anticipated World Cup.
