The 2026 FIFA World Cup schedule begins for the U.S. men’s national team on Friday night in Los Angeles.
Mauricio Pochettino’s squad will face off with Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium, seeking a first victory in Group D play. Many of the USMNT’s key stars featured in both of their pre-World Cup friendlies against Senegal and Germany including Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun, and Weston McKennie.
Pochettino gave minutes to 24 of the 26 players on his roster except Chris Richards and Haji Wright. Richards, who was rehabbing an ankle injury that he suffered back on May 17, confirmed he is “ready to go” for Friday’s opener.
There will be plenty of tough decisions for Pochettino and his coaching staff to make including who starts in the net, who features in the backline, and who starts together in midfield.
With the USMNT seeking a strong start in World Cup play, here is the starting lineup that we believe should start and who we think ultimately will start:
GOALKEEPER
Who Should Start: Matt Freese
- Matt Freese has done little wrong to lose his starting job and although Matt Turner has World Cup experience under his belt, I like Pochettino to go with Freese and his intangibles.
DEFENDERS
Who Should Start: Alex Freeman, Chris Richards, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson.
- With Chris Richards confirming his availability, I find it hard for Pochettino to leave him out of the starting lineup. Richards is the USMNT’s No. 1 centerback and has partnered veteran and captain Tim Ream on numerous occasions. Alex Freeman’s defensive work rate has been strong over the two friendlies and I like him over Joe Scally and Tim Weah and right back. Antonee Robinson remains the USMNT’s No. 1 left back throughout this World Cup and should be brimming with confidence after his sensational goal vs. Germany.
HOLDING MIDFIELDERS
Who Should Start: Tyler Adams, Malik Tillman
- Tyler Adams may not be the captain for the USMNT but his presence is vital in the XI. His aggressive work rate and range makes him one of the first names on the team sheet and overall Adams should do a lot of the dirty work, allowing for the attacking midfielders to get upfield.
- Malik Tillman may be listed here as a holding midfielder but I expect to see him get involved in the attack. Tillman’s creativity and goalscoring ability is a major need for the USMNT and teaming up with Adams is the best option for Pochettino to go with.
ATTACKING MIDFIELDER
Who Should Start: Weston McKennie
- Weston McKennie’s engine makes him one of the undroppable players in the USMNT squad. McKennie’s ability to get into the 18-yard box and make things happen should see him start just under the No. 9. Not only can McKennie score and assist, he covers a lot of ground and is always willing to throw his body into the mix on duels and tackles.
WINGERS
Who Should Start: Christian Pulisic, Sergino Dest
- Christian Pulisic is entering the World Cup in a good bit of form after snapping his lengthy goalscoring drought against Senegal. The veteran attacker is becoming more and more of a nuisance in the final third, which is a worrying sign for Paraguay. It’s find it highly doubtful that Pulisic doesn’t start on Friday.
- Sergino Dest’s shift to a winger gives the USMNT a lot of flexibility on the backend. Dest can play as a full back or wing back, but playing up higher gives him a great opportunity to deliver service for Pulisic, Folarin Balogun, and others. It also takes the pressure off of him to track back and defend as much as if he was at right back.
STRIKER
Who Should Start: Folarin Balogun
- Folarin Balogun is the USMNT’s hot hand right now and I can’t see Pochettino dropping him for Ricardo Pepi or Haji Wright. Balogun scored against Senegal and came close to also finding the back of the net against Germany. Pepi is a great option to have off the bench and Wright would be No. 3 on the depth chart, but for now it’s Balogun’s job to lose.
What do you think of our projected lineup? Who are you most excited to see play? Are there any doubts you have?
Share your thoughts below.