As we look ahead to the upcoming World Cup, it’s crucial to discuss the U.S. men’s national team and the evolving strategies under head coach Mauricio Pochettino. Since he implemented a three-man back line during the disappointing 2-0 loss to South Korea in September, there has been widespread confusion regarding the team’s tactical approach. This shift has led many fans, analysts, and media outlets to speculate on how the U.S. plans to play moving forward.
Shifting Strategies: The Backline Debate
Following the introduction of the three-man defense, Pochettino maintained this formation for the subsequent match against Japan, which resulted in a 2-0 victory. However, in the matches played in October—a draw against Ecuador and a comeback win over Australia—the formation remained a topic of debate. By November, Pochettino made yet another change, reverting to a four-defender setup during the year-end victories against Paraguay and Uruguay, which many observers failed to recognize.
When asked about the formation after the Paraguay match, U.S. captain Tim Ream clarified, "Well, we played [with] four tonight." Despite this, discrepancies remain in reporting: ESPN insists on a three-defender setup, while some former players on CBS claimed a back three was used in both November games. The FotMob app recorded a 5–3-2 formation for the first match and a 3–4-2-1 for the second. Recently, The Athletic noted that the team operates in a hybrid 3-4-2-1/4-4-2 formation, which closely aligns with Pochettino's description of using a 4-2-3-1 out of possession and transitioning to a 3-5-2 when in control of the ball.
Key Players Returning and Roster Predictions
Amidst these tactical discussions, one significant development is the return of Antonee "Jedi" Robinson, the U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year for 2024. After missing the entire 2025 season due to injury, his participation in the World Cup was initially uncertain. Pochettino expressed concern back in late November, stating, "We are worried because he has gone a long period without playing." However, Robinson has since recovered from offseason knee surgery and has made six consecutive Premier League starts for Fulham, solidifying his position as a starting left-back as the U.S. gears up for its World Cup opener against Paraguay on June 12 in Los Angeles.
Beyond Robinson's return, there are additional adjustments expected in the squad after the European club season concludes in late May. Based on current insights, here are the projected 26 players who may make the final roster cut:
Goalkeepers: Starter: Matt Freese; Backups: Matt Turner, Patrick Schulte; Just missed out: Chris Brady, Roman Celentano, Ethan Horvath, Jonathan Klinsmann, Diego Kochen, Zack Steffen. The goalkeeper situation remains a key concern as none of the selected keepers are currently playing in top-tier leagues. As the new domestic season begins, competition for the third goalkeeper spot will be intense.
Defenders: Starters: Tim Ream, Chris Richards; Backups: Noahkai Banks, Mark McKenzie, Miles Robinson; Just missed out: Tristan Blackmon, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, Walker Zimmerman. While Ream and Richards seem secure in their spots, keep an eye on Banks, a young talent making waves in the Bundesliga.
Midfielders: Starters: Tyler Adams, Tanner Tessmann; Backups: Sebastian Berhalter, Cristian Roldan; Just missed out: Johnny Cardoso, Gianluca Busio, Luca de la Torre, Aidan Morris, Yunus Musah, Timmy Tillman. Adams, despite recent injury concerns, is expected to return to form by the World Cup.
Forwards: Starter: Folarin Balogun; Backups: Ricardo Pepi, Patrick Agyemang; Just missed out: Haji Wright, Damion Downs, Brian White, Josh Sargent. The forward position is dynamic, particularly with Wright’s recent struggles, which have opened the door for Agyemang to step into the spotlight.
As the national team continues to refine its strategy and player selections, fans eagerly anticipate the journey to the World Cup. With Pochettino at the helm and key players returning to form, the U.S. team aims to make a strong impression on the world stage come June.
