The U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) played its first matches of 2026 ahead of hosting its first World Cup since 1994 later this summer.
Mar 28, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; USA’s Christian Pulisic controls the ball against Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images The U.S. Men’s National Team played its first matches of 2026 ahead of hosting its first World Cup since 1994 later this summer.
The U.S. has a precious four matches before their opening World Cup match against Paraguay in Los Angeles, and whilst only friendlies, the pair of matches gives Mauricio Pochettino a chance to solidify his starting XI ahead of the World Cup squad submission on May 26. The Stars and Stripes lost 5-2 to No. 9-ranked Belgium on Saturday and play No. 6-ranked Portugal on Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET in Atlanta, GA.at the Sports Illustrated Stadium in September 2025. It was the last time Pochettino played a traditional back four; the Argentine has set the U.S. up in a 3-4-3 ever since,Notable absentees include Sergiño Dest — out with a thigh injury and in a race against time to be match-fit for the tournament, Tyler Adams — left out of Bournemouth’s last two matchday squads with an injury, Gold Cup-star Diego Luna with a knee issue, and forward Haji Wright with a groin injury.The No. 1 shirt is Matthew Freese’s to lose ahead of the tournament. He played between the sticks during, and has not lost his spot since. The Revolution’s Matt Turner, who has 39 more senior caps than Freese, is expected to deputize and fight for his spot between the sticks. Chris Brady and Roman Celetano have received four and six call-ups each, respectively, but have not earned any appearances yet.Chris Richards and Tim Ream are the first names on the teamsheet for Pochettino. The two center-backs with bundles of Premier League experience have been mainstays in the squad, and the former is expected to start in the middle of the back three, with Ream flanking on the left side. Auston Trusty is expected to deputize in that role as the only other left-footed defender. The last spot is the right-sided center back, with Alex Freeman, Mark McKenzie, Miles Robinson, and Joe Scally all able to play there. Freeman started there last against Uruguay, scoring a brace, but he and Scally are traditionally full-backs. That third defender is one to keep an eye out for this international break. The wing-backs are a little trickier — Max Arfsten is almost expected to start on the flanks; it just depends on which side Pochettino decides to deploy him. If Arfsten starts on his preferred left wing, Freeman and Scally can slot in to provide the width on the other side. Dest’s frightening pace in behind and dangerous crossing could be a big miss if he cannot recover in time for the opening game on June 12. However, Fulham’s Antonee Robinson has been called up for the second time since undergoing knee surgery following the conclusion of the 2024/25 season. Since making the left-back spot his own during the 2022 Qatar World Cup, he will be a key playmaker at the back and in front of goal for the U.S.Pochettino has experimented with a 5-3-2 during a 2-1 win against Paraguay, but has usually set up with two engine room controllers in the middle of the park. One of them will be Weston McKennie. The Juventus midfielder has played in 45 matches, scoring eight and assisting five so far. He will be a key cog in this USMNT machine, and it is up to Pochettino to find a suitable partner. There is Sebastian Berhalter — the Whitecaps midfielder has been ever-present since his first call-up last year and played a starring role in the Gold Cup. Aidan Morris and Tanner Tessman have played in that pivot as well and can stamp their name on the squad with performances off the bench this weekend. Depending on the midfield setup, Giovanni Reyna could play in there as well. The former Dortmund prospect has yet to make his mark in Monchengladbach this season, but has been called up by Pochettino despite injuries and inconsistencies. He bagged a goal and an assist in two matches last year, and can play across the front three, but has to prove that he still has the quality that made him one of global football’s most exciting prospects a few seasons ago.With Wright out, Pochettino has less of a selection headache at center-forward with Patrick Agyemang, Florian Balogun, and Ricardo Pepi all vying for the No. 9 shirt. Balogun has more goals than either for his club this season, has more experience at the top level, and is the most in-form of the three right now. The Monaco man will be flanked by Christian Pulisic on the left, who is fighting for form after suffering an injury for AC Milan in October 2025. The right-sided winger could be the in-form Brendan Aaronson or Weah, depending on the matchup and how Pochettino wants to play without the ball.NYC public servants behind FDNY safety tool, vending machines and shelter food tracking honored with Hayes AwardsYankees’ go 5-for-5 as ABS continues humbling MLB umpiresMets’ Bo Bichette is going to be just fine after early strugglesPulitzer winner John Patrick Shanley debuts new play in NYCNYPD officer shoots and kills pit bull after animal attacks owner in Queens: cops
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