Rewritten Content
The conclusion of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup, marked by Mauricio Pochettino’s emotional reaction, doesn’t imply that the coaching staff of the US Men’s National Team (USMNT) didn’t achieve their objectives this summer.
While securing the tournament title was important, the hastily assembled team faced significant challenges after losing key players, including star forward Christian Pulisic. Despite this, they managed to reach the finals, ultimately losing to rivals Mexico in front of a passionate crowd of 71,000 fans.
Pochettino gained valuable insights into his players over June and July. These experiences will prove essential when he must select the 26-man roster for the co-hosted 2026 FIFA World Cup next May. Who do you think will make the cut in the upcoming months? Here’s our best guess based on the current situation.
Goalkeeper
- Starter: Matt Turner
- Backup: Matt Freeze, Zach Steffen
- Just Missed: Chris Brady, Diego Cuisance, Patrick Schulte, Gaga Slonina
Pochettino aimed to evaluate another goalkeeper during the Gold Cup. Due to injuries sidelining Steffen and Schulte, Freeze received an opportunity he made the most of. The 31-year-old Turner, who became the starter after engaging Brazilian Lucas Peri, is expected to move to Nottingham Forest. Freeze likely secured a spot on the roster with his standout performance in the shootout against Costa Rica, while veteran options like Steffen seem a safe bet if healthy.
Defender
- Starters: Sergiño Dest, Chris Richards, Tim Ream, Antonee "Jedi" Robinson
- Backup: Max Arfsten, Alex Freeman, Mark McKenzie, Walker Zimmerman
- Just Missed: Cameron Carter-Vickers, Miles Robinson, Joe Scally, John Tolkin, Auston Trusty
At the conclusion of the 2022 World Cup, Tim Ream was expected to retire from international duty, yet nearly three years later, he continues to excel alongside Richards, a standout from the Gold Cup. Although Dest and Jedi missed the tournament due to injury, both are locks for the squad if fit. Emerging talents like Freeman and Arfsten could provide depth next year.
Central Midfielder
- Starters: Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie
- Backup: Johnny Cardoso, Sebastian Lletget, Yunus Musah, Tanner Tessmann
- Just Missed: Gianluca Busio, Luca de la Torre, Aidan Morris
For the USMNT to thrive at home, Adams and McKennie will need to shine. Pochettino successfully reunited Musah with the duo, forming a strong midfield that previously held England to a draw in Qatar 2022. Tessmann might return after a Gold Cup absence, while injury limited Cardoso in the recent tournament.
Attacking Midfielder
- Starter: Malik Tillman
- Backup: Diego Luna
- Just Missed: Jack McGlynn, Gio Reyna
With three goals in six games, Luna made a name for himself during the Gold Cup, matching Tillman’s output. The 23-year-old Tillman, now with Bayer Leverkusen after a successful stint at PSV Eindhoven, is set to carry this momentum into the new European season. Reyna, meanwhile, continues to struggle with injuries and has had limited impact.
Winger
- Starters: Tim Weah, Christian Pulisic
- Backup: Brenden Aaronson, Haji Wright
- Just Missed: Paxten Aaronson, Damion Downs, Quinn Sullivan
Despite Pochettino’s considerations for not including Pulisic in upcoming friendlies after skipping the Gold Cup, the player remains essential for USMNT. Meanwhile, Weah’s fluid play style also enhances the team’s dynamics. However, true midfielder options appear limited beyond Pulisic and Weah.
Striker
- Starter: Ricardo Pepi
- Backup: Folarin Balogun, Josh Sargent
- Just Missed: Patrick Agyemang, Brian White
After recovering from an injury, Pepi has stepped into a key role at PSV Eindhoven. Balogun, also returning from setbacks, faces strong competition for the starting role, and Agyemang could potentially vie for a spot as well.
Doug McIntyre, a football journalist for Fox Sports, has covered both the US Men’s and Women’s National Teams in World Cups across five continents. Follow him on Twitter.
Fan Take
The upcoming World Cup presents a pivotal moment for U.S. soccer, as the nation’s talent pool deepens and players gain international experience. This roster selection will be crucial not only for team performance but also for igniting passion among U.S. soccer fans as they rally behind their national team on home soil.
