...
By Tyler Erzberger
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
We are three months away from the World Cup in North America, and the United States Men's National team is gearing up for its most important tournament in team history.
After years of preparation and talk of a "golden generation," it's put-up-or-shut-up time for Mauricio Pochettino and the squad led by AC Milan star Christian Pulisic.
As we count down the days to early June for the spectacle's kickoff, with the United States facing Paraguay in their opening game, discussion is now on who will make the starting lineup for the USMNT at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
Read More on Sports
Although there's still debate over which formation Pochettino could go with, for now, we will run as if he's going with a basic 4-3-3 lineup.
Here's my current starting XI for the United States heading into the World Cup.
More news: USMNT Has New Concern With Christian Pulisic
...
More news: Christian Pulisic Goes ‘Off the Grid’ Amid USMNT Absence
Goalkeeper (1)
Matt Freese (27 years old, New York City FC)
Once seen as an afterthought by Americans, Freese has grown year after year and is now the undisputed starter in net for the team come June. Although Matt Turner might have an outside chance if Freese falters, it's all but locked for the penalty kick stop maestro in goal.
Defense (4)
Antonee Robinson (28, Fulham)
When we talk about this team's fullbacks, it's all about injuries. Robinson was seen as one of the best players at his position in the world last year before a knee injury and other knocks kept him off the field. Although he isn't in peak form, if Robinson is healthy enough to suit up, he'll be in there.
Alex Freeman (21, Villarreal)
Serino Dest would take over for the young Freeman if he's healthy, but a new hamstring injury might keep out one of the USMNT's most technical players for the World Cup. Freeman is transforming quickly in Spain, has done well under Pochettino, and could be an important piece depending on the durability of the other defenders on the roster.
Chris Richards (25, Crystal Palace)
The anchor on the defense, Richards, has been nothing short of fantastic over the past year with Crystal Palace. He will be heavily called upon during the World Cup if the USMNT wants to reach its first quarterfinal since 2002.
Noahkai Banks (19, FC Augsburg)
This is the craziest selection of the entire starting XI. Banks might not even play for the United States, as he is split between Germany and the U.S. He's a rising star in the game, and while 38-year-old Tim Ream or Mark McKenzie are more straightforward answers, I'll take the most fun option on the board.
Midfield (3)
Tyler Adams (27, AFC Bournemouth)
Adams is the engine of the USMNT. He was arguably the best player for the team at the last World Cup, including Pulisic, and was phenomenal in their strongest games of the tournament.
But like many other USMNT players, he's been plagued by injuries in the last cycle and needs to be healthy to be at his best in June.
Malik Tillman (23, Bayer Leverkusen)
There's a strong possibility that Tillman might be on the bench in favor of a more defensive option like Johnny Cardoso. But Tillman is a legitimate game changer when he's playing at his best, and he's shown up numerous times the past year for USMNT when nothing else has been working.
Cardoso and Tillman are both elite players, and for some of the shortcomings this team has, it's astonishing that one of these common fixtures in the Champions League might not start for the United States.
Timothy Weah (26, Marseille)
Weah is a perfect player for Pochettino to utilize, as he can fit anywhere on the field. If they need him to play back as a defender, Weah has done that at the highest level. Want him to join the attack as a quasi forward? He can do that.
While there might be players on the bench who are better at a singular role than Weah, there might not be anyone as flexible as him on the field for the Americans.
...
Attack (3)
Weston McKennie (27, Juventus)
OK, maybe McKennie can match Weah's flexibility on the roster. But for this World Cup, the USMNT needs McKennie in an attacking role after having another fabulous season at Juventus.
He is arguably the best player for the national team heading into the World Cup. While Pulisic will grab all the headlines, McKennie could be the difference between an early elimination and a deep run, depending on his form.
Christian Pulisic (27, AC Milan)
Yeah, there's no surprise here. Pulisic will be in the attack for the Americans, and this is his opportunity to go from one of the best USMNT players of all-time to being considered the greatest if he can spearhead this team to a deep run.
Folarin Balogun (24, AS Monaco)
After two years of battling and debate, Balogun has solidified himself as the clear top striker choice for the USMNT going into the World Cup.
Although he had an inconsistent stint with Monaco last year, he's finally found his groove and is showing why it was such a big deal when Balogun chose the USMNT over England and Nigeria in 2023.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines