Predicting The USMNT's 2026 World Cup Squad: A Position-by-Position Breakdown Under Pochettino

Michael

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Post on Jun 16, 2025

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Predicting the USMNT's 2026 World Cup Squad: A Position-by-Position Breakdown Under Pochettino

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, is just around the corner, and excitement is building for the US Men's National Team (USMNT). With Mauricio Pochettino at the helm, a new era of USMNT soccer has begun, bringing with it both hope and uncertainty. This article provides a position-by-position breakdown, predicting a potential 23-man squad for the tournament, considering current form, potential breakthroughs, and Pochettino's tactical preferences.

Goalkeepers:

The goalkeeper position is arguably the most settled. Matt Turner currently holds the starting role, boasting experience in the Premier League. His consistency and commanding presence make him a near-certain starter. Zack Steffen's future remains uncertain after a loan spell, but his potential to regain form and challenge for a spot can't be ignored. A young up-and-comer like Gabriel Slonina will need to significantly improve his game to contend for a spot on the roster.

Defense:

The defense presents more questions. Miles Robinson and Walker Zimmerman are likely to be key figures, offering experience and physicality. However, the full-back positions are fiercely competitive. Antonee Robinson seems secure on the left, but the right-back spot is up for grabs. Players like Sergiño Dest, Joe Scally, and DeAndre Yedlin will battle for a place, with their attacking capabilities a crucial factor in Pochettino's system. The emergence of young central defenders will also be crucial in solidifying this area.

Midfield:

The midfield is arguably the most dynamic and competitive area of the squad. Yunus Musah and Weston McKennie are likely to be key components, offering a blend of technical ability and physical strength. However, the emergence of players like Tyler Adams (depending on his recovery and club situation) and younger talents could drastically alter the landscape. Pochettino's preference for a possession-based style will favor technically gifted players who can dictate the tempo of the game. The battle for midfield places will be intense, with many players vying for a limited number of spots.

Attack:

Upfront, the USMNT boasts considerable attacking talent. Christian Pulisic remains a pivotal figure, despite his recent struggles. His experience and ability to create chances will be invaluable. Ricardo Pepi and Giovanni Reyna represent exciting young talents with the potential to thrive under Pochettino's guidance. However, consistency and injury concerns remain obstacles for both players. The emergence of other promising attackers will be key to bolstering the squad's depth in this area.

The Pochettino Factor:

Pochettino's tactical approach will significantly influence the final squad selection. His preference for high pressing and possession-based football will favor players with technical proficiency, tactical intelligence, and high work rates. Players who excel in transition and can adapt to different roles within his system will have a significant advantage.

Conclusion:

Predicting the exact USMNT squad for the 2026 World Cup remains a challenging task, as the next three years will witness significant changes in player form and emergence of new talents. This predicted lineup provides a snapshot of potential selections based on current form and future projections, keeping in mind the pivotal role Pochettino's tactical approach will play. The journey to 2026 will be filled with competitive matches and crucial decisions, making the selection process highly anticipated by fans worldwide. Stay tuned for further updates as the squad evolves!

Keywords: USMNT, 2026 World Cup, Pochettino, World Cup Squad Prediction, US Men's National Team, Soccer, Football, Matt Turner, Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah, Miles Robinson, World Cup Qualification.