U.S. Men’s National Team Prepares for 2026 World Cup: Insights from Recent Matches
As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensifies, U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) manager Mauricio Pochettino is gaining valuable insights into his squad. Following two recent matches-a 2-0 defeat against South Korea and a 2-0 victory over Japan-Pochettino has begun to experiment with tactical formations, including a three-man defensive line. This strategic shift could prove crucial as the team gears up for the World Cup, which kicks off on June 11, 2026.
Upcoming Friendlies: A Crucial Testing Ground
With only six friendly matches remaining before the World Cup, the USMNT has a limited window to finalize its roster. The upcoming fixtures include:
- Ecuador: October 10, Austin, TX
- Australia: October 14, Commerce City, CO
- Paraguay: November 15, Chester, PA
- Uruguay: November 15, Tampa, FL
- Portugal: March (location TBD)
- TBD: March (location TBD)
These matches will serve as critical opportunities for players to showcase their skills and secure a spot on the final 26-player roster, which Pochettino must submit by May.
Position Battles: A Closer Look
As the team prepares, several position battles are heating up. Pochettino’s preferred 4-3-3 formation is likely to be the foundation, but the recent tactical experimentation suggests flexibility may be key.
Goalkeepers
Starter: Matt Turner
Backups: Matt Freese, Zack Steffen
Just Missed Out: Chris Brady, Diego Kochen, Patrick Schulte, Gabriel “Gaga” Slonina
Turner, despite being a backup for much of the summer, is expected to reclaim the starting role. Freese, who recently delivered an impressive performance against Japan, is also in contention. His six saves in that match showcased his potential, but Turner’s experience may give him the edge as the World Cup approaches.
Defenders
Starters: Sergiño Dest, Chris Richards, Tim Ream, Antonee “Jedi” Robinson
Backups: Max Arfsten, Tristan Blackmon, Alex Freeman, Mark McKenzie, Joe Scally
Just Missed Out: Cameron Carter-Vickers, Miles Robinson, John Tolkin, Auston Trusty, Walker Zimmerman
The introduction of Blackmon into the lineup has been noteworthy. Although he struggled against South Korea, he performed admirably against Japan, suggesting he could be a valuable asset moving forward. His recovery from a knee injury will be closely monitored as the team prepares for the October matches.
Midfielders
Starters: Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie
Backups: Yunus Musah, Tanner Tessmann
Just Missed Out: Sebastian Berhalter, Johnny Cardoso, Gianluca Busio, Luca de la Torre, Aidan Morris, Cristian Roldan
Adams is a lock for the starting position, while McKennie’s absence from the September roster raises questions about his fitness and form. Musah, who has struggled for playing time at Atalanta, will need to regain his starting position to solidify his place in the squad.
Attackers
Attacking Midfielder: Malik Tillman
Backups: Diego Luna, Jack McGlynn
Just Missed Out: Gio Reyna
Tillman’s recent performances have put him in a strong position, especially after scoring against Reyna’s Borussia Mönchengladbach. Reyna, however, is eager to reclaim his spot and has expressed confidence in his ability to return to the national team.
Wingers:
Starters: Tim Weah, Christian Pulisic
Backups: Haji Wright, Alex Zendejas
Just Missed Out: Brenden Aaronson, Paxten Aaronson
Pulisic’s strong form at AC Milan and Weah’s recent Champions League goal have solidified their places in the starting lineup. Zendejas’s return to the national team after a year-long absence has also added depth to the wing positions.
Striker:
Starter: Folarin Balogun
Backups: Ricardo Pepi, Josh Sargent
Just Missed Out: Patrick Agyemang, Damion Downs, Brian White
Balogun has emerged as a key player, showcasing his scoring ability in recent matches. Pepi is working his way back to full fitness, while Sargent’s ongoing struggles to find the net could jeopardize his position.
The Road Ahead: Learning and Adapting
The upcoming friendlies will not only serve as a platform for individual players to shine but also as a testing ground for Pochettino’s tactical approaches. The return of European-based players who missed the September matches will add further competition and depth to the squad.
Pochettino’s ability to adapt and make strategic decisions will be crucial as the team prepares for the World Cup. The lessons learned from the recent matches against South Korea and Japan will undoubtedly shape the final roster and tactical setup.
Conclusion
As the USMNT approaches the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the importance of these upcoming friendlies cannot be overstated. With a blend of established stars and emerging talents, the team is poised to make a significant impact on the world stage. The next few months will be critical in determining who will don the national colors in what promises to be a historic tournament. The journey is just beginning, and the excitement is palpable as fans eagerly await the unfolding drama of the World Cup.
