SEATTLE — The U.S. men’s national team is in a position they could hardly have imagined as they approach the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With victories in their first two matches, the USMNT has not only secured a spot in the knockout stages but also claimed the top position in Group D. Their final group-stage match against Türkiye, already eliminated, will not affect the group rankings or the USMNT’s upcoming opponents in the round of 32.
This raises a crucial question for U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino: Should he implement significant lineup changes to give playing time to less-used players, or maintain a consistent core to preserve momentum?
Pochettino’s competitive spirit is evident; he emphasized the need for his team to carry their winning momentum into the next match during his postgame press conference on Friday.
“We need to keep pushing and ensure we arrive in top condition, just like we did for the last two games,” he stated.
It’s important to note this was said before Paraguay defeated Türkiye 1-0, confirming Türkiye’s exit from the tournament and securing the top spot for the U.S.
However, Pochettino will likely prioritize the big picture, suggesting a nearly complete overhaul of the lineup might be wise.
Four players from the U.S. squad—midfielder Tyler Adams, forward Folarin Balogun, defender Chris Richards, and left back Antonee Robinson—are on yellow card watch. If they receive another card against Türkiye, they will miss the USMNT’s round of 32 match on July 1.
However, yellow cards reset following the group stage, so risking suspensions in a match of negligible consequence would be unwise.
This situation suggests that players like Cristian Roldan, Mark McKenzie, and Max Arfsten should get the opportunity to play, with Ricardo Pepi taking a central role as the lone striker.
“This team’s versatility is remarkable because even the players who aren’t currently on the field can step up effectively,” Adams remarked to reporters on Friday. “It reflects well on the team’s overall performance.”
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Can USMNT go all the way in the World Cup?
Another consideration is Christian Pulisic, the AC Milan forward who missed the game against Australia due to a left calf injury. While there may be a desire to give Pulisic some playing time to help him regain form before the knockout stage,
it might be better to hold him back. Ensuring the team’s health is crucial as they advance.
To avoid any setbacks, the USMNT cannot afford an early exit from the knockout round, as it would undermine the positive energy built during the group stage. Choosing to rest Pulisic would likely improve the team’s chances of success.
The only regular starter who could potentially remain in the lineup is goalkeeper Matt Freese. Having started the first two matches, Freese still has fewer World Cup appearances than backup Matt Turner. More experience could be beneficial for Freese.
The rest of the team should be rested, including midfielders Malik Tillman and Weston McKennie, winger Sergiño Dest, as well as defenders Tim Ream and Alex Freeman.
Pochettino has the chance to field a competitive team while also preparing players who may be crucial in the knockout stage.
Players like Brenden Aaronson, Gio Reyna, Tim Weah, and Alejandro Zendejas would benefit from some playing time, as would Joe Scally and Auston Trusty, who appeared late in the last match.
Sebastian Berhalter, a likely substitute for McKennie, has gained some playing time but could also use more experience in the World Cup to be ready.
One of the standout moments of this World Cup has been the players’ enthusiasm on the bench, with celebrations showcasing the team’s unity. As they prepare for the game against Türkiye, it presents an opportunity for some lineup rotations while maintaining the positive atmosphere.
“The bond among the players is incredibly strong right now, and we have a solid belief in ourselves, which is crucial,” Adams said.
At this moment, that camaraderie remains intact, regardless of who is on the field.