The US Men’s National Team (USMNT) is gearing up for competition ahead of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, which kicks off on June 14, marking their last tournament before co-hosting the 2026 World Cup next summer. Manager Mauricio Pochettino has called up a squad of 27 players to participate in two warm-up matches, including one against Switzerland on June 10, before the Gold Cup.
Notably, star Christian Pulisic will not be part of the Gold Cup roster due to a demanding season with AC Milan, joined by Weston McKennie and Tim Weah, who will be competing in the Club World Cup instead. Despite these high-profile absences, Pochettino’s roster will allow experienced players and emerging talents to showcase their skills, potentially impacting the selection for next year’s World Cup.
The roster raises some intriguing questions as fans await the upcoming matches.
Who Are the Key Players to Keep an Eye On?
Doug McIntyre: Folarin Balogun is a player to watch. After not seeing action with the USMNT for nearly a year, he has proven to be a bright spot, scoring twice in three appearances during the 2024 Copa America. Having regained fitness following a shoulder injury, Balogun might have an opportunity to reclaim his starting position, especially with other forwards sidelined.
- Laken Litman: Diego Luna is another standout. The 21-year-old midfielder shone during the Nations League final and is on a scoring streak with Real Salt Lake. The Gold Cup offers him a chance to cement his place ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Luna’s versatility and creativity may significantly benefit the team, especially with other key players unavailable.
Who Needs to Prove Themselves Before the Cup?
Litman highlights Matt Turner, the goalkeeper who previously played in the World Cup but lacks a guaranteed starting role. With limited playing time at Crystal Palace, Turner faces competition in a tight grouping of goalkeepers, and his performance in the upcoming matches will be crucial.
McIntyre points to Tim Ream, the 38-year-old veteran, who’s facing challenges on the field. Age and recent performance concerns may affect his chances of remaining a fundamental part of the roster leading to 2026, making this Gold Cup pivotal for him.
Roster Snubs: The Most Surprising Omissions
Litman cites Josh Sargent as a notable exclusion, despite his productive league season for Norwich City. Struggling to translate his club success to the international stage, Sargent’s absence marks a strategic decision by Pochettino.
McIntyre suggests John Tolkin should have had a spot due to his valuable experience in the Bundesliga. The omission of both Tolkin and fellow young talents raises questions about the selection approach.
Strongest Competitors in the Gold Cup
McIntyre warns not to underestimate Saudi Arabia, who could prove to be a challenging opponent, given their tactical approach and coaching.
Litman agrees, noting that the USMNT needs to approach their initial group stage matches seriously to avoid a challenging quarterfinal against Mexico. Saudi Arabia’s recent successes could unexpectedly place them in competition for a Gold Cup victory.
True or False: Will the USMNT Win the Gold Cup?
McIntyre believes it’s unlikely, given the strength of other teams like Canada and Panama, while acknowledging the team’s recent performances.
Litman concurs, stressing the absence of several key players diminishes their chances, but notes that this opens the door for younger talents to shine and potentially shape the future of the team leading into the World Cup.
Fan Take
This story is critical for soccer enthusiasts as it highlights the evolving dynamics of the USMNT and their preparations for upcoming tournaments. Fans should pay close attention, as the decisions made now could significantly influence the team’s direction and success in the world stage next summer.
