Final Prediction on our 2026 roster (assuming a 26 spots). Given our ugly display using a 4 man back line in both March games, I'm going to assume we will redeploy our 3-4-3 (2 wingback) tactic come June. At least I hope so, since our defense needs reinforcement.
GKs
Starter: Matt Freese
Matt Turner
Chris Brady
In consideration: Roman Celentano, Patrick Schulte, Jonathan Klinsmann, Diego Kochen
Turner was given a surprise start vs Belgium, and didn't play half bad. However, the 2nd half defense played very bad - allowing 5 goals (only 1 could/should have been stopped by Turner) which likely sabotaged his last chance to become the WC starter. Freese put in a decent performance against Portugal and is likely to be between the posts in June.
What I would do: Freese, Turner, whoever
Centerbacks
Starter: Chris Richards
Starter: Mark McKenzie
Starter: Alex Freeman
Tim Ream
Auston Trusty
Miles Robinson
In consideration: Joe Scally, Triston Blackmon, Noahkai Banks, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Walker Zimmerman
Well, it finally happened. The March window seemed to show that Ream has slowed down too much to be a sure-fire starter. I'm guessing McKenzie takes his spot at left CB, although Trusty showed enough to earn a bench spot and maybe even the left CB start. Freeman showed enough to grab the spot on the right. Miles Robinson edges out Joe Scally for the last spot, inexplicably. Noahkai Banks' heart seems to be with Deutschland, but perhaps he will realize that CB is not a position of strength for the US.
What I would do: Richards, McKenzie, Freeman, Ream, Trusty, Scally
Wingbacks
RWB Starter: Timothy Weah
LWB Starter: Antonee Robinson
Sergino Dest
Max Arfsten
In consideration: John Tolkin, Caleb Wiley, Marlon Fossey, Shaq Moore, Bryan Reynolds
One positive coming out of March camp is the Jedi played in both games. Dest recovers from his hamstring enough to make the roster in June. He won't start all of the games, but can still contribute. Weah showed that he isn't a great option at RB if we play a back four, but at wingback, I'm still feeling good about his attacking threat.
What I would do: Jedi, Weah, Dest. Freeman and Scally can both deputize here if really needed.
Holding Mids
Starter: Tyler Adams
Starter: Tanner Tessman
Johnny Cardoso
Aidan Morris
Cristian Roldan
In consideration: Sebastian Berhalter, Yunus Musah, Luca de la Torre, Gianluca Busio, Jack McGlynn, James Sands, Timothy Tillman, Paxton Aaronson
We clearly missed Adams defensively in March, and no one here seemed to take the opportunity to stand out. I have Aiden Morris edging out Berhalter for the final spot. Roldan makes it as vibes guy, which is needed on a WC roster.
What I would do: Adams, Tessman, Cardoso, Morris, Musah
Attacking Mids
Starter: Christian Pulisic
Starter: Weston McKennie
Malik Tillman
Gio Reyna
Brendan Aaronson
Diego Luna
In consideration: Alejandro Zendejas
I'm predicting that Christian finds his form by June. McKennie absolutely has to be on the field and should even sit deeper with Adams as a box-to-box if we ever opt for 3 mids. Tillman starts if either Puli or McK can't go. Sparks off the bench include Gio to unlock parked buses, Aaronson to energizer-bunny chase, and Luna for his toughness. Zendejas' skillset overlaps with what we already have.
What I would do: Pulisic, McKennie, Tillman, Gio, Aaronson, Zendejas
Striker
Starter: Folarin Balogun
Haji Wright
Patrick Agyemang
In consideration: Ricardo Pepi, Josh Sargent, Damion Downs
For the lone striker spot, whomever is hot come May 2026 should find their way onto the plane. For now, Balogun is a must-start and a healthy Haji is his direct backup. All the evidence points to Agyemang being Poch's preferred target big over Pepi now, who sadly misses out a 2nd straight WC roster that he should have made.
What I would do: Balogun, Wright, Pepi.
Lineup (3-4-3)
------------Balogun-----------
-------Pulisic----Weston-----
Jedi-Adams-Tessman-Weah
McKenzie-Richards-Freeman
------------Freese-------------
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