...
By Jason Fray
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
With less than three months until the squad's opening match of the 2026 World Cup, United States Men's National Team manager Mauricio Pochettino is getting down to the wire as to which 26 players will represent the country at the global event.
This month presents a unique challenge for the USMNT. Belgium (March 28) and Portugal (March 31) will be coming to Atlanta for friendlies. Both opponents figure to provide Pochettino's group with stiff tests. Belgium and Portugal are loaded with high-level talents, and this is a nice opportunity for the USMNT to continue to build confidence and camaraderie.
More news: Donovan Dent Turning the UCLA Bruins into an NCAA Tournament Darkhorse
Read More on Sports
...
There are some players expected to miss the game due to injury. Chief among them is Sergino Dest — the team's starting right back. Stalwart defensive midfielder Tyler Adams could also be sidelined due to a knock he reportedly suffered in training last week.
It's also assumed 19-year-old starlet center-back Noahkai Banks will turn down a call-up. A dual-national with Germany, Banks reportedly is undecided as to which nation he'll represent.
This roster of 30 players figures for all intents and purposes to make up the bulk of what the final group will look like on June 12 versus Paraguay in Los Angeles.
Goalkeeper (4): Matt Freese, Matt Turner, Patrick Schulte, Jonathan Klinsmann
Freese probably has the inside edge on the starting spot. None of the names on this list, truthfully, have stood out in this cycle in the way other American keepers have in years past.
Unlike with Tim Howard in 2014, the team's defensive unit won't be able to rely on a very good keeper to stand on his proverbial head and be a massive difference-maker.
Defenders (10): Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Auston Trusty, Miles Robinson, Joe Scally, Antonee Robinson, Alex Freeman, Max Arfsten, Tim Weah
This grouping is sorely missing Banks. He'd likely be an automatic starter given his stature and talent. As it stands, Richards is the player at center-back to feel the best about. From there, it's quite dicey. Ream (38) has certainly lost a step. There are major questions as to whether he possesses the athleticism requisite to start in three-straight group stage games.
More news: The SEC Looks to be Wide-Open in Latest 2026-27 CFB Projection
McKenzie has been a bit mistake-prone with the national team over the course of his career. Should Pochettino opt for a back three with wingbacks, a McKenzie-Richards-Alex Freeman group may make sense with Weah and Robinson on the right and left, respectively. There's also a potential for midfielder Tanner Tessmann to get a look in a back-three alignment.
Midfielders (10): Gio Reyna, Tanner Tessmann, Johnny Cardoso, Weston McKennie, Malik Tillman, Diego Luna, Aidan Morris, Yunus Musah, Cristian Roldan, Sebastian Berhalter
Adams is the noteworthy omission here. When healthy, he's a locked-in starter for a best-case XI. McKennie is playing as well as anyone at the moment. Musah and Reyna are the two interesting choices. Reyna can't seem to get minutes in the Bundesliga despite being immensely talented. Musah has recently been somewhat effective for Atalanta to the point where he could sneak on ahead of Alejandro Zendejas.
Tillman figures to be one of the primary offensive maestros pulling the strings from an advanced role. Keep an eye on Aidan Morris. He's been indispensable for Middlesbrough as the team seeks promotion to the Premier League. He's physical, hard-nosed, and shuttles the ball very well upfield to teammates.
Attackers (6): Brenden Aaronson, Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, Patrick Agyemang, Haji Wright
Pulisic is the straw that stirs the drink for the Americans. Having said that, Balogun has been on fire for Monaco. He is undoubtedly the most talented striker within this roster.
Aaronson will assume his role as the ultimate irritant, pressing and covering ground. Wright can play more directly or out wide on the flank. Pepi is certainly the second-most talented striker within the pool. Agyemang has cooled off a bit after a hot start in England for Derby County. He represents the physical set-piece threat to bring on when chasing a goal late in matches.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines