Ricardo Pepi has reflected on a four-year journey that took him from the pain of being left off the United States roster for the 2022 World Cup to earning his place in the squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The striker described the period between the two tournaments as one of significant personal growth, crediting the earlier snub — delivered under then-coach Gregg Berhalter — as a driving force behind his development.

Pepi acknowledged that missing out in 2022 was a difficult moment, but one that ultimately pushed him to work harder and improve as a player in the years that followed.

Now, with a spot secured for the home tournament in 2026, Pepi arrives as a more complete and battle-hardened forward than the younger player who was overlooked four years ago.