Josh Sargent's acrimonious departure from Norwich City has inadvertently strengthened Australia's World Cup prospects while damaging his own chances with the USMNT. The striker's failed transfer to Toronto FC in January led to a standoff with Norwich management, resulting in Sargent being banished to the under-21s and missing crucial playing time.

Norwich responded by signing Mohamed Touré from Randers FC for £2.6 million, who has since exploded onto the scene with 12 goal involvements in his first 10 games. The Australian forward scored a hat trick on his starting debut and has helped transform Norwich's season from relegation candidates to potential playoff challengers. Meanwhile, Sargent lost nearly two months of football and has fallen further down the pecking order for USMNT selection.

With Sargent last scoring for the national team in 2019 and trailing several strikers in Pochettino's plans, his World Cup hopes appear bleak. Conversely, Touré has become a key project for Socceroos coach Tony Popovic, featuring in six friendlies and appearing to lock down a starting role. The 26-year-old's physical profile also differs from what the USMNT needs as a like-for-like replacement for injured striker Patrick Agyemang.