Now that the dust has settled after the recent friendlies (where head coach Mauricio Pochettino was still juggling players to find his Best XI), it’s time for the boys at Yanks Abroad to give their low-down on who they think will be wearing the USA crest come Summer.
The two recent friendlies against the -guays, Uru- and Para-, saw the Nats come away with a couple of impressive victories where they scored seven goals and allowed just two. With the USMNT missing a slew of established players (Pulisic, Adams, McKennie, Richards, Weah, Tillman and Jedi Robinson among them), a few second-tier players stepped up and made their case.
Do you agree with our picks? Disagree? Let us know!
You can compare it to our last picks by clicking right here .
Pack Your Bags
Christian Pulisic
The closest the USMNT has to a world-class player, and a no-brainer to be headlining the USMNT World Cup Roster. (KT)
No matter what, this guy is in the starting XI in the World Cup. Barring treason, he’s on the field. (AV)
If anyone was an automatic pick and starter, it’s the kid from Hershey PA. (MA)
Now would be an excellent time to invest in bubble wrap because the U.S. needs him intact for the summer show. (KB)
Chris Richards
Even though he sat out November, his previous USMNT performances and top-tier defender status makes him a lock at CB selection. (KT)
Number 1 CB on the team sheet. Flying for Palace. (AV)
He is the rock in the backline, but it’s worrisome as to who can support him. (KB)
I watch him regularly in the Premier League and this guy just belongs there and on the WC squad. (MA)
Malik Tillman
Just stay healthy. (MA)
Tillman returned from a minor injury to bag a goal and assist in Leverkusen’s win over Wolfsburg. He found his USMNT form under Pochettino and is almost certain to be part of the roster next Summer. (KT)
With him on the right side of Pulisic, it boggles the mind what they can do in the attack. (KB)
Matt Freese
GK #1? He might be. (AV)
Not sold on him, but since he is Pochettino’s guy, make leg room for him. (KB)
No glaring errors in November. Nothing spectacular: he’s steady but rarely impressive (outside of penalty shootouts). Still, right now that’s enough to keep him at the top while backup keepers sort themselves out. (KT)
A regular starter is a rare thing for a decent American GK (MA)
Sergino Dest
He’s dynamic, but a risk. But, he’s in the 26 for sure. (AV)
Despite his defensive frailties, it’s alright as a wingback with someone in the back to support him. (KB)
Returned from injury and seemlessly slipped into the starting lineup fir bith PSV and the Nats. Given more offensive freedom and fewer defensive responsibilities, Dest thrived. Given this late-year burst of form and fitness, it’s hard to see a realistic roster where he isn’t included next summer. (KT)
How could you even question him being on the team? Now back in the PSV line-up and thriving, he is going. (MA)
Folarin Balogun
Will likely be the #1 striker in WC Game 1. (AV)
Wish we had a better, more consistent front man, but he’ll do. (MA)
Come March, it should ultimately be decided that he is the number one striker for the team. (KB)
When in form, there is no more reliable finisher for the U.S. attack. The last couple of windows have separated Balo from his competitors, making him the US clear #1 striker. (KT)
Nearly a Lock
Weston McKennie
Let’s hope Pochettino can get the best of him after playing under Spalletti at Juventus. (KB)
He’s experienced and good for team chemistry, while also being good at soccer. As long as he’s fit and playing, he’s in the squad. But is he a starter? (AV)
Regaining form under yet another coach at Juventus, McKennie just scored in the Champions League. He is the fittest he’s ever been, and seems to be coming into his best form in years at just the right time. (KT)
This guy is an enigma, but I wouldn’t set up a team without him (MA)
Ricardo Pepi
He should have scored that goal against Paraguay, but he’ll be alright. (KB)
Showed rust in missing a sitter against Paraguay, and was an unused sub against Uruguay. Still working his way back at PSV, he’s likely in the squad for depth, but i don’t see him missing a second World Cup roster. (KT)
I think it’s too early for him and he should concentrate on his club soccer and enjoy the USMNT games on TV with his friends, as well as a nice summer vacation. (MA)
Tyler Adams
He’s here, he’s there, he’s everywhere in the midfield. That’s the guy they really need in the summer. (KB)
For me he is the first name on the team sheet in the center of midfield. (AV)
Adams drops down from a lock for me, as he’s missed two of the 3 Fall camps. His September absence due to the birth of his child was followed by a November absence due to concussion protocol. He is nearly automatic, but he plays in an extremely deep position. (KT)
Christian Roldan
Reliable. (AV)
Veteran presence, “vibes”, and club experience count — but to stay relevant, needs to outperform younger challengers for limited midfield slots. (KT)
He may not be a fan for some people (except for those in Seattle), but he’s done the job to get here. (KB)
Haji Wright
Likely the #2 striker, but won’t take Balogun’s starting spot for game 1. Again, we’re not blessed with world class strikers but we have some good strikers. (MA)
It’s reassuring to know that whether he starts or comes off the bench, he will be a threat for goals when it’s necessary. (KB)
Offers a physical presence and a change of pace from Balogun; needs to stay in-form in the Championship to stay on par with Pepi in the race for backup striker. (KT)
Diego Luna
One of my favorite new players. Ball out, kid. (AV)
He came out of nowhere and hopefully he’ll lead the team somewhere. (MA)
This guy brings intensity and tenacity. That’s going to be useful in the World Cup. (KB)
One of the most capped players under Poch, Luna’s USMNT form has dipped a bit, as others have overtaken him. While he may not be a starter, Luna should be on the roster next Summer. (KT)
Max Arfsten
He’s been solid all year for the Columbus Crew, and impressive in November with the USMNT. His sublime step-over cross led to Gio Reyna’s goal against Paraguay. With Jedi Robinson a huge question mark, Arfsten has proven he can be the answer on the left if Robinson’s injury woes continue. (KT)
Playing well, but playing well in the MLS! (MA)
Fairly a safe bet
Antonee Robinson
A 100 percent healthy Jedi can do wonders for the team on the left side, and they certainly need him. (KB)
Robinson has been the undisputed lock at left back for years, but a knee injury kept him out of competitive action for months. Is he still the same Jedi? We don’t know. But let’s face it, if healthy, Robinson remains the top-choice left-back. (KT)
Having him this low hurts me, but if he isn’t fit, he won’t make the team. Get back on the field, Jedi! (AV)
Usually a no-brainer but damn, he can’t stay healthy and when he is, he’ll need a bunch of minutes under his belt. (MA)
Gio Reyna
Dynamic and entertaining. Just needs minutes. (AV)
Not so long ago, I thought he was not even worth mentioning but seems he has more to offer the American team. I personally feel that he will be one of the Yanks who shines in the big show. (MA)
We love a comeback story, don’t we? Reyna met the moment in November, scoring and creating in both matches. With a goal and two assists, he showcased the creative, attacking talent that once made him the U.S.’s highest-ceiling player. (KT)
Tanner Tessmann
Where he plays and how he’s playing, he’s worth bringing along. (MA)
Rock-solid in November against both of the -guays, he gained the most from Tyler Adams’ absence. On top of his control of midfield, he scored in the 5-1 drubbing of Uruguay. For me, he’s inked his name in next Summer’s roster. (KT)
He has developed well, and he will be a good option off the bench. (KB)
Mark McKenzie
He’s having a good season in France but there are others ahead of him (MA)
He’s played well in France. Could he overtake Ream in the three-man backline? (KB)
Earned the captain’s armband vs Uruguay; shows trust among staff, and offers another reliable defensive profile. (KT)
Jonathan Klinsmann
It’s him or Schulte for GK #3 slot. (AV)
Our poorest position with not much to choose from, so he does have a chance, especially with that name. (MA)
Possible bench spot, but competition is fierce; will need strong club minutes and clean sheets to be considered. (KT)
There isn’t a strong goalkeeper corps like in the past, but I rate him as the backup. (KB)
Tim Ream
Getting Jeff Agoos 2002 World Cup vibes with him. Got a bad feeling that the opponents could expose him. (KB)
Unless a better CB emerges, I think he’s CB #2 or first sub for CB #2. (AV)
I don’t rate him but Poch does. Even with two broken legs, he would probably be selected. (MA)
Experience counts; but at 38, the margin for error is thin. If either Trusty or Banks make huge leaps in the second half of the season, Ream’s role could be diminished. Does he have another 8 months in him? (KT)
Brenden Aaronson
This guy has to be on the team. Tireless work rate. (AV)
Even as a rotation piece, his club minutes and role versatility (midfield or wide) give him a good shot at the final 26-man roster. (KT)
He’s on the outside looking in compared with the other attackers. A strong season at Leeds United keeps him in the conversation. (KB)
This guy’s never give up attitude is something that the team needs, even if he’s not given many minutes. (MA)
Matt Turner
Fighting for GK #1 position. (AV)
Perhaps will come along because we do need a back-up (MA)
He has fallen dramatically since playing for Nottingham Forest. I think he’s likely the candidate as the third-choice goalkeeper. (KB)
Alex Freeman
Young, versatile, regularly called up under Pochettino, should be even higher. A breakout showing vs Uruguay with two goals and solid defense; versatility and confidence under pressure make him a heavy contender. (KT)
I like this kid. Let’s see what he does in the upcoming friendlies in 2026. (KB)
In a Battle
Alex Zendejas
His breakout performance in September seems a distant memory, with an inopportune injury keeping him out of the November camp. Playing in a deep position and competing directly with Luna and Reyna, will Zendejas be the odd man out? (KT)
With a closet full of silverware that aren’t just Gold Cups and CONCACAF Nations League trophies, let’s get a guy on the team that knows what it’s like to win. (MA)
Sebastian Berhalter
Got on the scoresheet with a set piece goal and assist vs Uruguay, showed leadership and composure; likely a tactical weapon. (KT)
Yunus Musah
It’s him or Berhalter. Probably won’t be both. (AV)
The guy ain’t what he used to be (MA)
Tim Weah
Heaps of talent. Likely him over any other player due to versatility. (AV)
Why is this guy down here? He’s going to be on the roster. (KT)
I don’t know why he isn’t a shoo-in but I’m not the coach (MA)
Miles Robinson
Could be a starter or could be on the bench, I just hope he’s not on the couch. (AV)
Slightly redundant and inferior choice to McKenzie — needs to make his case. He had one of the less convincing November camps. (KT)
Auston Trusty
I trust him to do a good job. Does Poch? (AV)
Someone to make up the numbers (MA)
Had a quietly solid performance against Uruguay, including an assist. A natural left-footed player, he could push Tim Ream at LCB in the lead up to the World Cup. (KT)
On the Bubble
Joe Scally
Aidan Morris
Patrick Schulte
Johnny Cardoso
John Tolkin
Noahkhai Banks
Roman Cenentano
Timothy Tillman
* the Yanks Abroad staff who participated in this piece are Michael Adubato (MA), Kenya Brown (KB), Kirk Theophanous (KT) and Andrew Vorce (AV)
