Projecting The 2026 USMNT World Cup Team: Pochettino's Starting XI And Beyond

Michael

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Post on Jun 16, 2025

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Projecting the 2026 USMNT World Cup Team: Pochettino's Starting XI and Beyond

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, a joint venture between the USA, Canada, and Mexico, is just around the corner, and excitement is building for the United States Men's National Team (USMNT). With a new era dawning under the leadership of manager Mauricio Pochettino, speculation is rife about the starting eleven and the overall squad composition. This article delves into a potential starting XI, examines key positional battles, and explores the depth of talent within the burgeoning USMNT player pool.

Pochettino's Projected Starting XI (4-3-3 Formation):

Pochettino's tactical flexibility is well-known, but a 4-3-3 formation seems likely given the current talent pool. This system allows for attacking width and midfield control, crucial elements for success on the world stage. A projected starting XI could look like this:

• Goalkeeper: Matt Turner (Arsenal) - Turner's experience in the Premier League makes him a strong contender for the starting spot. Competition from Zack Steffen (Middlesbrough) will be fierce, however.

• Defense: Sergiño Dest (Barcelona/Loan), Miles Robinson (Columbus Crew), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Antonee Robinson (Fulham) - This back four offers a blend of youth and experience, with the Robinson pairing providing defensive solidity. Dest's attacking prowess down the right flank adds a crucial offensive dimension.

• Midfield: Tyler Adams (Bournemouth), Weston McKennie (Juventus/Loan), Yunus Musah (Valencia) - This midfield trio provides a dynamic mix of defensive grit (Adams), box-to-box energy (McKennie), and creative flair (Musah). The competition for these spots will undoubtedly be intense.

• Attack: Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Folarin Balogun (Arsenal), Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund) - Pulisic's experience and leadership are invaluable, while Balogun's prolific goal-scoring ability offers a potent threat up front. Reyna's creativity and technical skill add a different dimension to the attack.

Key Positional Battles:

Several positions will see intense competition for starting roles:

• Striker: While Balogun is projected to start, players like Ricardo Pepi (Eintracht Frankfurt) and Josh Sargent (Norwich City) will push hard for inclusion and playing time. Their ability to finish clinically will be key in determining their chances.

• Left Back: While Antonee Robinson currently holds the edge, young talents like Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach) will be vying for minutes and a chance to impress Pochettino.

• Central Midfield: Beyond the projected starting trio, players like Luca de la Torre (Celta Vigo) and James Sands (Rangers) will look to stake their claim to a spot in the squad.

Beyond the Starting XI: Depth and Emerging Talent:

The USMNT boasts impressive depth. Players like Brenden Aaronson (Union Berlin), Tim Ream (Fulham), and Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders FC) provide valuable experience and tactical flexibility. Furthermore, the emergence of young talents in the MLS and European leagues will continue to challenge for spots in the national team setup. The pathway for young Americans to break into the first team is evident.

Conclusion:

The 2026 World Cup presents a unique opportunity for the USMNT. With Pochettino at the helm and a talented squad, the potential for success is undeniable. While this projected starting XI offers a strong foundation, the intense competition for places underlines the depth and quality within the team. The next few years will be crucial in shaping the final squad, but one thing is certain: the USMNT is poised for a strong showing on home soil. Follow the progress of these players and stay tuned for more updates as we approach the tournament!