{"id":29158,"date":"2025-11-27T16:12:08","date_gmt":"2025-11-27T21:12:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/11\/27\/usmnt-2026-world-cup-big-board-3-0-reina-and-scali-make-their-comeback\/"},"modified":"2025-11-27T16:12:08","modified_gmt":"2025-11-27T21:12:08","slug":"usmnt-2026-world-cup-big-board-3-0-reina-and-scali-make-their-comeback","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/11\/27\/usmnt-2026-world-cup-big-board-3-0-reina-and-scali-make-their-comeback\/","title":{"rendered":"USMNT 2026 World Cup Big Board 3.0: Reina and Scali Make Their Comeback!"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/11\/27\/usmnt-2026-world-cup-big-board-3-0-reina-and-scali-make-their-comeback\/#Goalkeepers_3\" >Goalkeepers (3)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/11\/27\/usmnt-2026-world-cup-big-board-3-0-reina-and-scali-make-their-comeback\/#Center_Backs_5\" >Center Backs (5)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/11\/27\/usmnt-2026-world-cup-big-board-3-0-reina-and-scali-make-their-comeback\/#Fullbacks_4\" >Fullbacks (4)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/11\/27\/usmnt-2026-world-cup-big-board-3-0-reina-and-scali-make-their-comeback\/#Central_Midfielders_5\" >Central Midfielders (5)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/11\/27\/usmnt-2026-world-cup-big-board-3-0-reina-and-scali-make-their-comeback\/#Attackers_6\" >Attackers (6)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/11\/27\/usmnt-2026-world-cup-big-board-3-0-reina-and-scali-make-their-comeback\/#Forwards_3\" >Forwards (3)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/11\/27\/usmnt-2026-world-cup-big-board-3-0-reina-and-scali-make-their-comeback\/#On_the_Bubble\" >On the Bubble<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/11\/27\/usmnt-2026-world-cup-big-board-3-0-reina-and-scali-make-their-comeback\/#Editorial_Opinion\" >Editorial Opinion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><strong>US Men&#8217;s National Team Update: Key Performances and Prospective Changes<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>As winter approaches, the U.S. Men&#8217;s National Team is transitioning after two noteworthy showings in the November international window, especially highlighted by a resounding 5-1 victory over Uruguay. With several players sidelined due to injuries, this opens opportunities for talents like Sebastian Berhalter of the Vancouver Whitecaps and Alex Freeman from Orlando City to establish themselves ahead of the World Cup.<\/p>\n<p>Players will now have a four-month break until the next international window in March, during which fortunes can change rapidly. It&#8217;s a crucial period for club performances as players who have recently transferred to MLS will have time to recuperate from a taxing season. The team&#8217;s recent momentum has lifted spirits and erased lingering doubts from last June, yet any injury could disrupt progress. Coach Mauricio Pochettino and his staff plan to travel throughout Europe to monitor players&#8217; performances, assessing who is rising and who is falling.<\/p>\n<p>This gap in international play presents an opportunity for ESPN to release its USMNT Big Board, detailing the projected 26-man roster and highlighting potential players on the bubble.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Goalkeepers_3\"><\/span>Goalkeepers (3)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Matt Freeze | 27 | New York City FC<\/strong><br \/>\nFreeze has had a solid run as the starting goalkeeper, but his recent mistake against Uruguay has raised questions about his spot. As NYCFC continues in the playoffs, his performances could be pivotal.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Matt Turner | 31 | New England Revolution (on loan from Lyon)<\/strong><br \/>\nTurner, while confident about a return by October, has seen limited action since his absence in November. His experience could still be crucial but a consistent performance is needed to secure his roster spot.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Patrick Schuldt | 24 | Columbus Crew<\/strong><br \/>\nSchuldt earns a spot due to his prior experience, and if not injured, he is poised to solidify his role as the backup goalkeeper.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Center_Backs_5\"><\/span>Center Backs (5)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Chris Richards | 25 | Crystal Palace<\/strong><br \/>\nRichards remains a critical part of the backline, with both club and country valuing his contributions. His consistent health is key for his continued presence.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Tim Ream | 38 | Charlotte FC<\/strong><br \/>\nDespite his age, Ream\u2019s leadership and skills remain vital, especially now that Charlotte\u2019s season has concluded, allowing him to rest.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Mark McKenzie | 26 | Toulouse<\/strong><br \/>\nMcKenzie showcased his worth during the Uruguay match, reminding coaches of the importance of his physicality and ball progression abilities.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Miles Robinson | 28 | FC Cincinnati<\/strong><br \/>\nRobinson&#8217;s adaptability, paired with his steady return from injury, makes him a valuable asset.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Auston Trusty | 27 | Celtic<\/strong><br \/>\nTrusty grabbed the opportunity to shine in both club and international play and must fend off competition as he aims to cement his position.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fullbacks_4\"><\/span>Fullbacks (4)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Sergi\u00f1o Dest | 24 | PSV Eindhoven<\/strong><br \/>\nDest&#8217;s dual-role capabilities as both a winger and fullback are intriguing, particularly as the national team seeks to utilize his strengths while mitigating defensive weaknesses.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Joe Scully | 22 | Borussia M\u00f6nchengladbach<\/strong><br \/>\nScully rebounded from a tough October, proving he could be versatile in multiple defensive roles.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Alex Freeman | 21 | Orlando City SC<\/strong><br \/>\nAfter a strong start, Freeman&#8217;s performances reaffirm Pochettino&#8217;s faith as he distances himself from the competition.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Max Alfsten | 24 | Columbus Crew<\/strong><br \/>\nAs the only left back currently on the roster, Alfsten&#8217;s consistent development is noted amidst strong competition from other players.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Central_Midfielders_5\"><\/span>Central Midfielders (5)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Tyler Adams | 26 | AFC Bournemouth<\/strong><br \/>\nAdams continues to perform well, bringing leadership and defensive skills vital to both his club and the national team.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Weston McKennie | 26 | Juventus<\/strong><br \/>\nDespite changing managers at Juventus, McKennie&#8217;s adaptability keeps him in contention, though his spot in the national team remains uncertain.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Christian Roldan | 30 | Seattle Sounders<\/strong><br \/>\nRoldan\u2019s hard work is paying off and he is establishing himself as a reliable option based on recent performances.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Aidan Morris | 24 | Middlesbrough<\/strong><br \/>\nMorris has kept his spot through his consistent contributions, making him a favorable choice.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Tanner Tessman | 23 | Lyon<\/strong><br \/>\nTessman\u2019s impact with goals and consistent play has strengthened his chances of selection.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Attackers_6\"><\/span>Attackers (6)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Christian Pulisic | 26 | AC Milan<\/strong><br \/>\nAfter recovering from a hamstring injury, Pulisic&#8217;s recent goal underscores his importance to the squad despite Pochettino&#8217;s insistence on meritocracy.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Timothy Weah | 25 | Marseille<\/strong><br \/>\nWeah is gaining valuable minutes and could be utilized in various roles based on team needs.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Malik Tillman | 23 | Bayer Leverkusen<\/strong><br \/>\nTillman is thriving, helping his club advance in the Bundesliga, and he aims to maintain that momentum internationally.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Diego Luna | 22 | Real Salt Lake<\/strong><br \/>\nLuna is regaining form and has the potential to secure a spot, particularly with an eye on final roster shapes.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Alejandro Zendejas | 27 | Club Am\u00e9rica<\/strong><br \/>\nInjuries have hindered Zendejas, but his past performances keep him in the spotlight for future consideration.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Gio Reyna | 23 | Borussia M\u00f6nchengladbach<\/strong><br \/>\nFollowing a strong display, Reyna needs consistent playtime to maintain his upward trajectory.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Forwards_3\"><\/span>Forwards (3)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Folarin Balogun | 24 | AS Monaco<\/strong><br \/>\nBalogun continues to impress, playing a crucial role in both club and national team settings.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Pepi Ricars | 22 | PSV Eindhoven<\/strong><br \/>\nRicars faces tough competition as he works to regain his footing after a less impactful November.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Haji Wright | 27 | Coventry City<\/strong><br \/>\nWright&#8217;s recent goals have kept his prospects alive, but he must find form consistently.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"On_the_Bubble\"><\/span>On the Bubble<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Roman Celentano | 25 | FC Cincinnati<\/strong><br \/>\nDespite a solid season, Celentano may need competitors to falter to secure his position.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Zach Steffen | 30 | Colorado Rapids<\/strong><br \/>\nSteffen\u2019s absence has hindered his chances, putting him at a significant disadvantage.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Tristan Blackmon | 29 | Vancouver Whitecaps<\/strong><br \/>\nFollowing injuries, Blackmon must prove his worth to regain favor.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Noakai Banks | 18 | FC Augsburg<\/strong><br \/>\nThe young defender shows promise but may still be too early in his career for international scrutiny.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Cameron Carter-Vickers | 27 | Celtic<\/strong><br \/>\nHis injury issues could lead to another missed World Cup opportunity.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Anthony Robinson | 28 | Fulham<\/strong><br \/>\nRobinson&#8217;s ongoing knee issues cloud his prospects, but he aims for a March return.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>John Tolkien | 23 | Holstein Kiel<\/strong><br \/>\nWhile capable, Tolkien&#8217;s chances are slim due to strong competition in his position.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Caleb Wylie | 20 | Watford (on loan from Chelsea)<\/strong><br \/>\nWylie faces an uphill battle after injury issues threaten his prospects.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Johnny Cardoso | 23 | Atl\u00e9tico Madrid<\/strong><br \/>\nCardoso must improve to reclaim his spot amidst emerging talents.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Yunus Moussa | 22 | Atalanta (on loan from AC Milan)<\/strong><br \/>\nMusa&#8217;s current struggles at his loan club jeopardize his international opportunities.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Luca de la Torre | 27 | San Diego FC<\/strong><br \/>\nAfter a promising start, de la Torre&#8217;s recent form puts his national team aspirations at risk.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Sebastian Berhalter | 24 | Vancouver Whitecaps<\/strong><br \/>\nBerhalter\u2019s impressive recent outings could see him challenge for a spot as team dynamics shift.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Brenden Aaronson | 25 | Leeds United<\/strong><br \/>\nAaronson&#8217;s need for significant minutes in club play is apparent if he hopes to solidify his position for the World Cup.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Patrick Agyeman | 24 | Derby County<\/strong><br \/>\nAgyeman\u2019s unique skills could be valuable, yet his inclusion depends on squad strategies.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Josh Sargent | 25 | Norwich City<\/strong><br \/>\nLacking form and goals, Sargent is at a disadvantage for selection.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Damion Downes | 21 | Southampton<\/strong><br \/>\nDownes remains in contention but needs to find the net to improve his chances.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Editorial_Opinion\"><\/span>Editorial Opinion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>With the World Cup on the horizon, these developments are crucial for soccer fans who are keen to see how the U.S. Men&#8217;s National Team shapes up. The upcoming months present an exhilarating opportunity for emerging talents while reinforcing the importance of seasoned players\u2014heightening the anticipation for the matches that lie ahead.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>US Men&#8217;s National Team Update: Key Performances and Prospective Changes As winter approaches, the U.S. Men&#8217;s National Team is transitioning after two noteworthy showings in the November international window, especially highlighted by a resounding 5-1 victory over Uruguay. With several players sidelined due to injuries, this opens opportunities for talents like Sebastian Berhalter of the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":29159,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[313,2695,1005,913,40,46,7295,7296,45,1200,42],"class_list":{"0":"post-29158","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-football","8":"tag-big","9":"tag-board","10":"tag-comeback","11":"tag-cup","12":"tag-football","13":"tag-news","14":"tag-reina","15":"tag-scali","16":"tag-soccer","17":"tag-usmnt","18":"tag-world"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29158","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=29158"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29158\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/29159"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=29158"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=29158"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=29158"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}