USMNT Prepares for World Cup with Roster Announcement and Send-Off Friendlies
The United States Men’s National Team will commence its World Cup campaign on Friday, June 12, in Inglewood, California, but first, it has several key events ahead of that milestone.
On Tuesday, May 26, the USMNT will unveil its official 26-man World Cup roster in New York City. Following this announcement, the selected players will head to Charlotte, North Carolina, and Chicago, Illinois, for two send-off friendlies against Senegal and Germany before traveling to Orange County for their World Cup preparations.
Which players will make coach Mauricio Pochettino’s final roster? Which players will narrowly miss the cut? Furthermore, are there any surprising wild-card candidates who might make an unexpected appearance? Here’s our insight into these essential questions as the USMNT gears up for the World Cup.
The Predicted Roster
Without further ado, here’s our predicted 26-man USMNT World Cup roster:
Goalkeepers: Matt Freese (NYCFC), Matt Turner (New England), Chris Brady (Chicago)
Central defenders: Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse), Alex Freeman (Villarreal), Auston Trusty (Celtic)
Right-backs: Sergiño Dest (PSV), Tim Weah (Marseille)
Left-backs: Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Max Arfsten (Columbus)
Defensive midfielders: Tyler Adams (Bournemouth), Cristian Roldan (Seattle), Aidan Morris (Middlesbrough)
Central midfielders: Tanner Tessmann (Lyon), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver)
Attacking midfielders: Christian Pulisic (Milan), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Gio Reyna (Borussia Monchengladbach), Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen), Alex Zendejas (Club America), Diego Luna (Salt Lake)
Forwards: Folarin Balogun (Monaco), Ricardo Pepi (PSV), Haji Wright (Coventry City)
The Issues That Shaped It
Defensive flexibility: Pochettino’s USMNT has utilized both a four-man and five-man defense in recent matches, providing flexibility for the World Cup lineup. Freeman can play as a right-back if necessary, while Robinson’s versatility allows him to shift between left-back and left-sided center back based on the opponent. Central midfielder Tessmann can also drop into a defensive role for added cover.
Two discussed defenders—Monchengladbach’s Joe Scally and Augsburg’s Noahkai Banks—have been left off the roster due to inconsistent performances with the USMNT thus far. Although both could be considered, neither has done enough to secure a place on our projected roster.
Left-footed playmakers: The last cut from this lineup was Leeds’ Brenden Aaronson, whose recent injury made room for the impressive Zendejas. Zendejas has demonstrated remarkable form with Club America this season, bringing a unique left-foot dominance that is a valuable asset for the USMNT.