The most recent international break for the United States men’s national team (USMNT) concluded on a high, highlighted by a 2-1 victory against Australia. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino is gradually instilling a renewed confidence in the team, now on a three-match unbeaten streak, while continuously shaping his roster. The recent shift to a back three strategy has proven beneficial, although some doubts linger about the team’s capacity. Nonetheless, with the World Cup approaching, the pressing question remains: what would the starting XI look like if the tournament began today? Here’s an assessment of the potential team setup.
2026 Roster Projection
Goalkeepers (3):
- Matt Freese (New York City 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 City SC)
- Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew)
- Mark McKenzie (Toulouse)
Midfielders (7):
- Weston McKennie (Juventus)
- Tyler Adams (Bournemouth)
- Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake)
- Luca De La Torre (San Diego FC)
- Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders)
- Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen)
- Tanner Tessmann (Lyon)
Forwards (6):
- Christian Pulisic (Milan)
- Folarin Balogun (Monaco)
- Ricardo Pepi (PSV)
- Tim Weah (Marseille)
- Patrick Agyemang (Derby County)
- Haji Wright (Coventry City)
- Alex Zendejas (Club America)
Goalkeeper
Starter: Matt Freese
Backups: Matt Turner, Patrick Schulte
The year of Matt Freese has seen him start 11 consecutive games for the USMNT, solidifying his role, especially in penalty situations. Despite the imminent return of Matt Turner, Freese is likely to maintain his position unless a significant performance dip occurs.
Right Wing Back
Starter: Sergino Dest
Backups: Alex Freeman, Tim Weah
Dest’s versatility has been instrumental but raises questions due to his fitness; his substitution could see Weah’s further adaptation into a wing-back role during matches.
Center Back
Starters: Chris Richards, Tim Ream, Miles Robinson
Backups: Mark McKenzie
While this defensive lineup may appear slim, the quality of defenders available for the World Cup remains uncertain.
Left Wing Back
Starter: Antonee Robinson
Backup: Max Arfsten, Sergino Dest
Robinson’s consistent inclusivity in games renders him a critical pillar in defense.
Central Midfield
Starters: Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie
Backups: Tanner Tessmann, Cristian Roldan, Luca De La Torre
Adams’ absence in recent matches showcased his irreplaceability, with Roldan’s performance potentially earning him a starting role.
Attacking Midfield
Starter: Malik Tillman
Backups: Diego Luna
Tillman’s emerging confidence and adaptability are vital for the squad.
Forwards
Starters: Folarin Balogun, Christian Pulisic
Backups: Tim Weah, Haji Wright, Ricardo Pepi, Patrick Agyemang, Alex Zendejas
The potential contributions of forwards like Weah are critical, ensuring the USMNT remains a tactical threat as the World Cup nears.
