Pochettino's USMNT: Projecting The 2026 World Cup Squad Depth Chart

Michael

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Post on Jun 16, 2025

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Pochettino's USMNT: Projecting the 2026 World Cup Squad Depth Chart

The appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as USMNT head coach has injected a surge of excitement into American soccer. With the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, just around the corner, fans are eager to see how Pochettino will shape the squad. But beyond the starting XI, the depth of the team will be crucial for success in a grueling tournament. This article projects a potential USMNT depth chart under Pochettino, considering current form, potential breakthroughs, and the manager's tactical preferences.

Goalkeepers:

• Starting XI: Matt Turner (Arsenal) - Turner's experience in the Premier League gives him a significant edge.
• Backup: Ethan Horvath (Luton Town) – A reliable backup with international experience.
• Third Choice: Gaga Slonina (Chelsea) – Young, talented, and with immense potential for growth. His development will be key.

Defenders:

• Right Back: Sergino Dest (AC Milan) - Dest's attacking prowess makes him a likely starter, but consistency will be key.
• Backup RB: Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach) - A promising young player with a bright future.
• Left Back: Antonee Robinson (Fulham) - Robinson's consistent performances for Fulham solidify his position.
• Backup LB: Sam Vines (Royal Antwerp) - Provides a capable backup option.
• Center Backs:
  • Starting CB: Miles Robinson (Atlanta United) - If healthy, Robinson's strength and leadership are invaluable.
  • Starting CB: Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic) - Carter-Vickers' consistency and composure make him a likely partner for Robinson.
  • Backup CB: Chris Richards (Crystal Palace) – Richards' physicality and potential make him a strong backup.
  • Backup CB: John Brooks (Possible Return) – A veteran presence, Brooks' return to form could bolster the squad significantly. His international experience is highly valuable.

Midfielders:

• Central Midfielders:
  • Starting CM: Tyler Adams (Bournemouth) - Adams’ energy and defensive work rate are essential.
  • Starting CM: Weston McKennie (Juventus/Loan) - McKennie's box-to-box capabilities are crucial. His form needs to improve to cement this place.
  • Backup CM: Yunus Musah (Valencia) - Musah’s technical skills and versatility offer excellent backup.
  • Backup CM: Luca de la Torre (Celta Vigo) – A consistent performer with growing international presence.
• Wingers/Attacking Midfielders:
  • Right Wing: Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund) - Reyna's talent is undeniable, but consistency and fitness are paramount.
  • Left Wing: Christian Pulisic (AC Milan) - Pulisic's experience and attacking threat make him a key player.
  • Backup Wingers: Brenden Aaronson (Union Berlin), Tim Weah (Lille) – Aaronson offers a high energy option, while Weah provides pace and directness.
  • Attacking Midfield: Giovanni Reyna/Alejandro Zendejas (Club America) – Depending on tactical choices, this spot could see rotation. Zendejas’s performance for Club America is worthy of note.

Forwards:

• Starting Striker: Ricardo Pepi (Groningen) – Pepi's goal-scoring ability and age profile suggest a strong future.
• Backup Striker: Josh Sargent (Norwich City) - Sargent offers a different type of striker profile, providing a good backup option.
• Other options: Folarin Balogun (Arsenal), Jordan Pefok (Union Berlin) – The emergence of players like Balogun and Pefok adds much needed competition for places.

Pochettino's Tactical Influence:

Pochettino’s preferred 4-3-3 formation could necessitate a focus on players with high work-rates and technical abilities. This projection reflects this, prioritizing midfielders with defensive capabilities and versatile wingers who can contribute defensively.

The Road to 2026:

The next few years will be crucial for player development and team cohesion. Injuries, form, and emergence of new talents could significantly alter this projected depth chart. The success of the USMNT in 2026 will depend not only on the starting XI but on the strength and depth of the entire squad. The competition for places will be fierce, and only the best and most consistent will make the cut.

Call to Action: What are your thoughts on this projected USMNT depth chart? Share your opinions and predictions in the comments below! Let's discuss the future of American soccer!