USMNT 2026 World Cup: Pochettino's Depth Chart And Key Players

Michael

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Post on Jun 16, 2025

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USMNT 2026 World Cup: Pochettino's Depth Chart and Key Players

The appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as USMNT head coach has injected a wave of excitement into American soccer. With the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, on the horizon, all eyes are on Pochettino's squad selection and tactical approach. But who will be the key players, and how deep does the talent pool really go? Let's delve into a potential depth chart and examine the stars likely to shine on the biggest stage.

Pochettino's Tactical Vision and Player Selection:

Pochettino is known for his high-intensity, possession-based style of play. This suggests a preference for technically gifted players with excellent work rates. His time at Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain demonstrated a penchant for versatile players capable of adapting to different roles within a fluid system. This could lead to some surprising selections and tactical shifts throughout the qualification campaign and the World Cup itself.

Goalkeepers:

• Starting GK: Matt Turner (Arsenal) – Turner's experience in the Premier League makes him the likely starter. His shot-stopping ability and commanding presence are key assets.
• Backup GK: Ethan Horvath (Luton Town) – Horvath offers solid backup and international experience.
• Third GK: Competition for this spot will be fierce, likely amongst younger talents like Gaga Slonina (Chelsea).

Defenders:

• Starting CBs: Miles Robinson (Atlanta United), Tim Ream (Fulham) – Robinson's athleticism and Ream's experience create a strong central defensive partnership.
• Backup CBs: Aaron Long (LAFC), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC) – Both bring different strengths to the table, offering solid cover.
• Starting FBs: Sergiño Dest (AC Milan), Antonee Robinson (Fulham) – Dest's attacking prowess and Robinson's defensive solidity create balance.
• Backup FBs: DeAndre Yedlin (Inter Miami CF) (experience), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach) (youth and potential) – Competition here will be intense.

Midfielders:

• Starting CM: Tyler Adams (Bournemouth), Weston McKennie (Juventus) – The dynamic duo offers a powerful combination of defensive stability and attacking flair.
• Backup CM: Yunus Musah (AC Milan), Luca de la Torre (Celta Vigo) – These players offer creative options and the ability to control the tempo of the game.
• Attacking Midfielders/Wingers: Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan) – Their attacking threat and ability to create chances are crucial to the USMNT’s success.
• Backup AM/Wingers: Brenden Aaronson (Union Berlin), Timothy Weah (Lille) – These players add depth and competition for places in the starting eleven.

Forwards:

• Starting Striker: Folarin Balogun (Arsenal) – Balogun’s prolific goalscoring ability makes him a strong candidate for the starting role.
• Backup Striker: Ricardo Pepi (Groningen) – Pepi is a young talent with the potential to develop into a leading striker.

Key Players to Watch:

While the entire squad will be crucial, several players are likely to carry the team’s hopes:

• Christian Pulisic: Pulisic’s experience and attacking brilliance will be vital.
• Weston McKennie: His box-to-box midfield presence is essential for balance.
• Tyler Adams: His defensive midfield role is crucial in protecting the backline.
• Folarin Balogun: The team's goalscoring hopes will rest heavily on his shoulders.

Conclusion:

The USMNT's path to success in the 2026 World Cup hinges on Pochettino’s ability to cultivate a cohesive unit from a talented pool of players. While this depth chart represents a plausible scenario, the composition of the final squad will depend on form, fitness, and tactical considerations leading up to the tournament. The upcoming qualifying matches will provide vital insight into Pochettino's preferred starting eleven and his overall strategy for success on home soil. The journey promises to be exciting, and the world will be watching.