The summer international break was an unusual period for the US Men’s National Team (USMNT). With several players missing out on the Concacaf Gold Cup due to various controversies and an unsatisfactory finish against Mexico, improvements are necessary as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup. Mauricio Pochettino has had a chance to evaluate his squad through competitive play, potentially opening doors for MLS players to secure spots on the final roster.
Concerns regarding playing time remain a challenge, emphasizing the need to balance this with overall talent assessment on an individual basis. More players securing regular play can enhance overall team performance. As the World Cup draws near, examining potential roster selections becomes crucial.
USMNT Roster Locks
A shrinking grouping, these players are likely to start if healthy:
- Sergino Dest (Defender)
- Weston McKennie (Midfielder)
- Christian Pulisic (Forward)
- Tyler Adams (Midfielder)
- Antonee Robinson (Defender)
- Folarin Balogun (Forward)
- Chris Richards (Defender)
Despite the absence of a goalkeeper among this group, it’s worth noting that Matt Turner’s playing status remains uncertain as he has struggled to secure consistent playtime. There have been doubts about the defending ranks as well.
Although some players have an upper hand on the selection process, circumstances could impact their spots as the tournament date approaches. Along with Turner, noteworthy names include Malik Tillman and Tim Ream, who is at a critical stage of his career.
Players on the Bubble
- Luca De La Torre (Midfielder): After a rough time at Celta Vigo, he’s now making strides back in MLS.
- Matt Turner (Goalkeeper): Needs consistent minutes to retain his spot.
- Miles Robinson (Defender): Gaining momentum back after being left out of the last World Cup selection.
- Malik Tillman (Midfielder): Recently made a significant club move that could shape his career.
- Patrick Agyemang (Forward): Create an opportunity to break into the national team fold after recent successes.
- More names included are omitting various injury concerns and club transitions, impacting their chances of making the final cut.
- The future remains uncertain for Gio Reyna and Yunus Musah, who must find new clubs to bolster their chances.
