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Nieuws
- 12 Dec 2025
Predicting the United States' squad for 2026 World Cup
Analysis
United States Men's National Team manager Mauricio Pochettino has some big decisions to make ahead of the 2026 World Cup, where his team will serve as hosts.
Many regarded Pochettino's hiring as a coup when he joined in 2024, due to his ability to get the most out of his players. In 2026, he will have to push all the right buttons to take this group far.
Since his hiring, the Argentine coach has given a wide selection of players chances to impress on the international stage. While that has helped him get a sense of the players at his disposal, it also makes predicting his squad more challenging.
Goalkeepers
Goalkeeper is historically a strength for the USA, but that is not the case anymore.
Matt Freese has started each of the last 12 USMNT matches, allowing 12 goals and leading his team to eight wins in that span.
The 27-year-old New York City FC ‘keeper is the runaway favorite to start between the sticks over the summer.
Figuring out Freese’s backups is perhaps the more difficult question, especially with a weak pool of goalkeepers by the USMNT’s standards.
Matt Turner, the 31-year-old former Premier League ‘keeper who is now back with the New England Revolution in Major League Soccer, is likely to get a spot thanks to his experience after starting every game in Qatar in 2022. Plus, he prevented 3.2 goals in just 10 MLS matches this season after his summer transfer.
Three younger ‘keepers are likely to compete for the third spot: Chicago Fire FC’s Chris Brady, Columbus Crew FC’s Patrick Schulte, and FC Cincinnati’s Roman Celentano.
Since Schulte is the only one to have been capped at this point and has MLS Cup Final experience, he has the edge.
Goalkeeper Prediction: Matt Freese, Matt Turner, Patrick Schulte
Defenders
Defense has rarely been the USMNT’s strong point, which is one reason why Pochettino started using three center backs in 2025.
As a result, the defensive group has a few players who are locks to make the squad with more than six months until the tournament kicks off.
Those players are Crystal Palace center back Chris Richards, Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson, and PSV right back Sergiño Dest.
Orlando City SC right-back Alex Freeman’s two-goal performance against Uruguay — plus his athleticism and ability to play as an overlapping center back — means he is also in line for a place.
STATS
Alexander Freeman
D (R)
Orlando
Alexander Freeman
D (R)
Orlando
The backup fullbacks are likely to be Max Arfsten on the left and Joe Scally on the right.
Then, the final question is which center backs out of Miles Robinson, Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, Auston Trusty, Cameron Carter-Vickers, and Walker Zimmerman will get into the squad.
Defender Prediction: Sergiño Dest, Antonee Robinson, Chris Richards, Alex Freeman, Mark McKenzie, Auston Trusty, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Max Arfsten, Joe Scally
Midfielders
Tyler Adams is a lock to start in defensive midfield, assuming he stays healthy. The same could be said for Weston McKennie a little further forward.
Christian Roldan, an industrious midfielder who can also play right-back, has become one of Poch’s favorites and will probably earn a spot as a result. The same could be said for Aidan Morris, who has proven himself to be a solid, like-for-like alternative to Adams.
Sebastian Berhalter, who is more of an attacking midfielder, also deserves a call-up after a brilliant season for club and country. His dead-ball ability could be pivotal in a tournament where marginal gains will make a difference.
STATS
Sebastian Berhalter
M, DM (C)
Whitecaps
Sebastian Berhalter
M, DM (C)
Whitecaps
The last midfield spot might be between Atletico Madrid’s Johnny Cardoso and Atalanta’s Yunus Musah. Both play for big clubs, but neither has nailed down a consistent role for their team this season.
Midfielder Prediction: Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah, Christian Roldan, Aidan Morris, Sebastian Berhalter
Forwards
Christian Pulisic is the best player in the United States player pool and is the captain. He’s a lock and will be the first name on the teamsheet.
Malik Tillman, Giovanni Reyna, Ricardo Pepi, Timothy Weah, and Folarin Balogun are also close to guarantees to be in the team.
Brenden Aaronson, an attacking midfielder for Leeds United, is often debated over whether he should be included. But his ability to win duels and press relentlessly indicate he could make a difference off the bench when legs are tired.
Haji Wright and Josh Sargent will compete for the third center-forward spot. Sargent is a tireless presser, while Wright is more of a focal point who is more athletic and better with the ball at his feet.
Forward Prediction: Christian Pulisic, Malik Tillman, Ricardo Pepi, Folarin Balogun, Timothy Weah, Giovanni Reyna, Haji Wright, Brenden Aaronson
Final United States Squad Prediction for the 2026 World Cup
1. Matt Freese
2. Matt Turner
3. Patrick Schulte
4. Sergiño Dest
5. Alex Freeman
6. Joe Scally
7. Antonee Robinson
8. Max Arfsten
9. Chris Richards
10. Mark McKenzie
11. Auston Trusty
12. Cameron Carter-Vickers
13. Tyler Adams
14. Weston McKennie
15. Yunus Musah
16. Christian Roldan
17. Aidan Morris
18. Sebastian Berhalter
19. Christian Pulisic
20. Malik Tillman
21. Ricardo Pepi
22. Folarin Balogun
23. Timothy Weah
24. Giovanni Reyna
25. Haji Wright
26. Brendan Aaronson
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