For the United States men’s national team, 2025 was a year filled with uncertainty as they prepared for the World Cup on home turf. Struggling to find their rhythm on the field under new coach Mauricio Pochettino, changes were urgently needed. In September, a new formation, featuring a back three of Tristan Blackmon, Tim Ream, and Chris Richards, resulted in a decisive 2-0 victory against Japan, initiating an unbeaten streak of five games to finish the year.

Tim Ream commented on this tactical twist during an episode of Call it What you Want, a CBS Sports Golazo network podcast: “I think it was a stroke of genius to have three center backs. But in doing that, I think it unlocked the thought of guys being able to play in a fluid four.”

This strategic adjustment not only boosted defensive strength but also allowed fullbacks to advance, creating more opportunities for key attackers like Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun to score. The team developed a more reliable system that offers flexibility to revert back to a back four when necessary.

Ream emphasized, “Flexibility gives us incredible options to change on the fly in-game… it’s all about understanding positional requirements.”

The absence of Tyler Adams forced USMNT to experiment with different formations, leading to the realization that a systemic change was essential for success. Pochettino’s adaptability, alongside evaluating his roster comprehensively, prepares the team well for the World Cup, particularly with crucial fixtures against Belgium and Portugal on the horizon.