The U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) is set to confront a significant challenge as they prepare for their Concacaf Nations League semifinal against Panama, scheduled for Thursday at 7 p.m. ET on Paramount+. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino confirmed that key defender Antonee Robinson, alongside Johnny Cardoso and Auston Trusty, will miss the match due to injuries. They will be replaced in the lineup by Jack McGlynn, Brian Gutierrez, and Max Arfsten.
“For different reasons, medical reasons, they’re not here and that’s difficult to explain because I am not a doctor,” said Pochettino.
With these new additions, Pochettino will draw from players involved in the January camp that saw the USMNT achieve victories over Venezuela and Costa Rica. A total of nine players from that camp will also suit up for this critical matchup, providing an opportunity for up-and-coming players to showcase their talent.
As the USMNT faces off against Panama, the absence of Robinson, who has become a vital player in the squad, raises questions on how well the team can adapt. Known for his contributions at Fulham, Robinson has tallied 10 assists this season, proving instrumental in advancing his team’s offense.
The team’s previous five non-January camp matches without Robinson ended with only a single win over Ghana, underscoring his importance to both the defense and the attack. This situation emphasizes the pressing need for roster depth as the USMNT prepares for their ultimate goal: the 2026 World Cup.
Full USMNT Roster
Goalkeepers (3): Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew; 3/0), Zack Steffen (Colorado Rapids; 30/0), Matt Turner (Crystal Palace; 49/0)
Defenders (7): Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew; 2/0), Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic; 18/0), Marlon Fossey (Standard Liege; 1/0), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse; 17/0), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC; 67/1), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace; 23/1), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach; 19/0)
Midfielders (6): Tyler Adams (Bournemouth; 42/2), Brian Gutierrez (Chicago Fire; 2/0), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake; 3/0), Weston McKennie (Juventus; 58/11), Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund; 31/8), Tanner Tessmann (Olympique Lyon; 6/0)
Forwards (7): Patrick Agyemang (Charlotte FC; 2/2), Jack McGlynn (Houston Dynamo; 3/1), Yunus Musah (AC Milan; 45/1), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan; 76/32), Josh Sargent (Norwich City; 27/5), Timothy Weah (Juventus; 42/7), Brian White (Vancouver Whitecaps; 3/1).
