2026 World Cup: Projecting The USMNT Starting XI And Depth Chart Under Pochettino

3 min read Post on Jun 16, 2025

2026 World Cup: Projecting the USMNT Starting XI and Depth Chart Under Pochettino

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, a joint venture between the USA, Canada, and Mexico, is rapidly approaching. With the tournament hosted on home soil, the pressure is on the United States Men's National Team (USMNT) to deliver a strong performance. The appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as head coach has injected a fresh wave of optimism, but predicting the starting XI and depth chart this far out remains a fascinating challenge. This article delves into a potential USMNT lineup and assesses the depth at each position, considering Pochettino's tactical preferences and the current pool of talent.

Pochettino's Tactical Influence: A 4-3-3 Formation?

While Pochettino's tactical approach is versatile, his preference for a possession-based 4-3-3 formation seems likely to be adopted by the USMNT. This system emphasizes quick transitions, dynamic midfield play, and attacking width, perfectly suited to the strengths of many American players. This projection takes this formation as a base, acknowledging the potential for tactical adjustments based on opponent matchups and player form.

Projecting the USMNT Starting XI for the 2026 World Cup

This projected starting XI balances experience, current form, and potential:

Goalkeeper: Matt Turner (Arsenal) - Turner's Premier League experience gives him an edge over other contenders.
Defense (from left to right): Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Aaron Long (New York Red Bulls), Miles Robinson (Atlanta United), Sergino Dest (AC Milan) - This back four represents a blend of established talent and rising stars. The recovery of Miles Robinson from injury will be crucial.
Midfield: Tyler Adams (Bournemouth), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Yunus Musah (Valencia) - This midfield trio offers a mix of defensive solidity (Adams), box-to-box energy (McKennie), and creative flair (Musah).
Forward Line (from left to right): Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Folarin Balogun (Arsenal), Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund) - This attacking trident boasts pace, skill, and clinical finishing. Pulisic's experience and leadership will be invaluable.

Depth Chart Analysis: Competition for Places is Fierce

While the starting XI is competitive, the depth of the USMNT squad is equally important. Several players are pushing for inclusion, and the competition for spots will be fierce:

Goalkeeper: Zack Steffen (Luton Town), Ethan Horvath (Luton Town) offer reliable backup options.
Defense: Players like Reggie Cannon (Boavista), John Brooks (free agent), and potentially emerging talents could challenge for starting roles or provide valuable cover.
Midfield: Luca de la Torre (Celta Vigo), James Sands (Rangers), and others will be vying for minutes in the midfield.
Forward: Brenden Aaronson (Union Berlin), Josh Sargent (Norwich City), and Ricardo Pepi (Groningen) are among the players who will be looking to stake their claim in the attacking third.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

The path to the 2026 World Cup isn't without its hurdles. Maintaining player form and fitness, integrating promising youngsters into the senior squad, and adapting to Pochettino's tactical demands will all be key factors. However, the USMNT possesses a talented roster and a home-field advantage. With shrewd management and a strong team spirit, a successful World Cup campaign is within reach.

Conclusion: High Expectations for the USMNT in 2026

The 2026 World Cup presents an incredible opportunity for the USMNT. Under Pochettino's guidance, and with the projected talent pool, the team has the potential to exceed expectations. The competition for places is intense, ensuring a high level of performance from all players. The next few years will be crucial in shaping the final squad, but this projection offers a glimpse into the exciting possibilities for the USMNT in their home World Cup. Keep an eye on emerging talent and player form as we get closer to the tournament!