The October worldwide break has come to an in depth for america males’s nationwide staff on a optimistic be aware, defeating Australia 2-1. Slowly, Mauricio Pochettino is restoring religion that this staff can topple high opposition around the globe as they’re now on a three-match unbeaten run, and we’re studying extra about his roster by the day. The shift to a again three has been a optimistic one, and whereas questions should still stay across the staff, panic is starting to minimize.
However with the World Cup drawing nearer, it brings up an vital query — if the match began right now, what would the beginning XI appear like? I took a stab at answering that, and here is how issues shook out.
2026 roster projection
Goalkeepers (3): Matt Freese (New York Metropolis FC), Matt Turner (New England Revolution), Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew)
Defenders (8): Sergino Dest (PSV), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Tim Ream (Fulham), Alex Freeman (Orlando Metropolis SC), Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse)
Midfielders (7): Weston McKennie (Juventus), Tyler Adams (Bournemouth), Diego Luna (Actual Salt Lake), Luca De La Torre (San Diego FC), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders), Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen), Tanner Tessemann (Lyon)
Forwards (6): Christian Pulisic (Milan), Folarin Balogun (Monaco), Ricardo Pepi (PSV), Tim Weah (Marseille), Patrick Agyemang (Derby County), Haji Wright (Coventry Metropolis), Alex Zendejas (Membership America)
Goalkeeper
Starter: Matt Freese
Backups: Matt Turner, Patrick Schulte
The 12 months of Matt Freese continues with the keeper now beginning 11 consecutive video games for the USMNT between the Gold Cup and friendlies. Displaying what he can do in penalty shootouts, even the return of Matt Turner wasn’t sufficient to see Freese miss out on minutes between the sticks. Pochettino hasn’t outright awarded the New York Metropolis FC man the beginning job, however until there’s an harm or a significant dip in efficiency, keeper is likely one of the few set positions for the USMNT because the World Cup approaches.
Proper wing again
Starter: Sergino Dest
Backups: Alex Freeman, Tim Weah
And similar to that, we get to chaos. Tim Weah may simply proceed in a pretend wing again position the place he helps overwhelm opposing attackers, particularly since Sergino Dest hasn’t been wholesome sufficient to play a full 90 minutes for the USMNT this 12 months. Dest’s verisitlity may additionally work towards him as he is one of many main backups for Antonee Robinosn on the suitable, so if Pochettino wants to chop a wing again, it may make sense to have Dest as the first backup on each side. Alex Freeman has been one of many largest risers in all the squad throughout this 12 months, and I would discover it powerful to chop him from any potential World Cup squad.
Heart again
Starters: Chris Richards, Tim Ream, Miles Robinson
Backups: Mark McKenzie
That is most likely too mild in central protection, however coming by defenders who’ve impressed sufficient to get the decision to the World Cup has been powerful. One among Tristan Blackmon or Cameron Carter-Vickers will doubtless be wanted if the again three is hear to remain, however the beginning trio feels locked in at this stage. Miles Robinson has been a robust performer beneath Pochettino, and alongside Richards, his anticipation helps make up for Tim Ream’s lack of tempo. Whereas it might be nice to discover a contingency plan for Ream if something had been to occur, that’s one thing that might be simpler stated than executed for this squad, so I would not maintain my breath there.
Left wing again
Starter: Antonee Robinson
Backup: Max Arfsten, Sergino Dest
One other place the place it is clear who the starter is, Antonee Robinson is likely one of the first names on all the USMNT staff sheet. Max Arfsten has had nice showings as a wing again on account of what he can carry going ahead, however Robinson’s consistency is what may trigger points in relation to the Columbus Crew man sticking on the roster. With Dest having the ability to again up each positions and the necessity for one more middle again, that is the place Pochettino may have some selections to make.
Central midfield
Starters: Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie
Backups: Tanner Tessmann, Cristian Roldan, Luca De La Torre
The defensive errors through the October worldwide window, which Tyler Adams missed because of the start of his little one, confirmed but once more that nobody can exchange what he brings to the midfield. Adams captained the USMNT on the 2022 World Cup and continues to be one of many leaders on the pitch when wholesome. Now, subsequent to him is the place issues get fascinating. Weston McKennie made his return to camp and would nonetheless appear to be the favourite to begin, however with Cristian Roldan placing in good shifts and aiding Haji Wright twice, issues may get fascinating. There’s a world the place Roldan is the beginning USMNT midfielder in a double pivot when the World Cup kicks off, particularly as Pochettino referred to as him a “excellent participant” following the victory over Australia. Tanner Tessmann is trending in the suitable path, but when solely two deeper midfielders are beginning, it is going to be powerful to interrupt into the beginning XI.
Attacking midfield
Starter: Malik Tillman
Backups: Diego Luna
With out Gio Reyna within the squad, Malik Tillman turns into the x-factor for the USMNT. In a position to play centrally and float out onto the wing, he brings versatility to how the assault can arrange. Rising into his position at a much bigger membership at Bayer Leverkusen, Tillman can be creating extra confidence as a participant, which can assist lead the USMNT assault when the lights are at their brightest. If a change of tempo is required, Diego Luna is not afraid to take anybody on and will likely be prepared for the second. This is likely one of the few positions that does not change a lot in a again three or a again 4.
Forwards
Starters: Folarin Balogun, Christian Pulisic
Backups: Tim Weah, Haji Wright, Ricardo Pepi, Patrick Agyemang, Alex Zendejas
Sitting Weah right here is difficult, as even when he isn’t at his greatest, the USMNT are higher with him on the pitch. Weah very nicely could also be performed in protection, however he’ll nonetheless be anticipated to contribute to the assault. Folarin Balogun has come into his personal and brings a unique class to the 9 for the USMNT, elevating the bar of what they’ll accomplish as a squad when he is on the pitch. It is just like what Christian Pulisic brings which is why together with Robinson, they’re locked in it doesn’t matter what. Haji Wright has proven what he can carry coming off the bench or beginning, and who is aware of, after being the final participant to attain a World Cup purpose for the USMNT, he simply often is the first participant to attain a purpose in 2026 on house soil for the USMNT.
