2026 World Cup Countdown: Key Insights into USMNT’s Journey 500 Days to Kickoff!

Exciting times are ahead for the U.S. men’s national soccer team! With just 500 days to go before their first match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, the buzz is palpable. Christian Pulisic shines as AC Milan’s standout player and seems set for a breakout season. Tyler Adams is back in form, fully healthy, and playing some of his best soccer. Other players like Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, Chris Richards, Joe Scally, and Yunus Musah are also looking strong as they gear up for a promising career year in 2025.

Coach Mauricio Pochettino is off to a solid start in his first full year. Earlier this month, his team, featuring MLS players, had two convincing wins, showing the depth of talent behind the European stars.

Even with some challenges, like Gio Reyna not being a regular starter at Borussia Dortmund, the situation appears manageable. Reyna is healthy and soon he’ll have another opportunity to prove himself under a new coach.

As the USMNT takes a break until the Concacaf Nations League finals in late March, it’s a perfect moment to assess our player pool.

Goalkeeper

Matt Turner seems likely to be Pochettino’s top choice. He may only get one chance to play for Crystal Palace before the semi-final against Panama, but he did impress in recent matches. Coach Pochettino praised Turner’s performance against Jamaica, saying he deserves the starting role.

Right behind him, there’s competition. Zack Steffen had a great game against Costa Rica, reminding everyone of his experience. His motivation to make the team—even after being left off the Qatar 2022 roster—could play in his favor. Meanwhile, Ethan Horvath appears to have dropped out of contention. Young goalkeeper Matt Freese could rise in the ranks if he makes a move to Europe soon. The situation looks more stable than it did last summer, and Pochettino reflects that energy by saying he feels secure in goal.

Defense

Sergiño Dest is on the mend and will soon rejoin, but Joe Scally has been performing well, potentially keeping Dest at bay in the lineup. If Scally continues his strong showing as a third center-back, Pochettino might use Dest in a more offensive position. After those two, the depth is questionable, as Pochettino didn’t call in backups for Scally, relying instead on versatile players like McKennie and Weah, who have filled in defensively for their clubs.

Center-Backs

Tim Ream has worn the captain’s armband under Pochettino’s tenure. The competition includes Chris Richards, now playing regularly in the Premier League, and Mark McKenzie, who has been solid for Toulouse in France. Other defenders like Miles Robinson and Walker Zimmerman are also in the mix, while newcomer George Campbell has caught Pochettino’s eye with his recent performances.

Left Back

Meanwhile, Jedi Robinson has his sights set on a transfer to a Champions League club, but his injury would be a setback for the U.S. If that happens, Scally may be forced to switch sides, although he prefers to play right back. New options like Kristopher Lund in Italy and John Tolkin in Germany are also emerging, and another name to consider is DeJuan Jones, who impressed in a recent game.

Midfielders

The midfield trio of McKennie, Musah, and Adams could reunite in March, which would be fantastic news for the team. There’s stiff competition from players like Johnny Cardoso, Gianluca Busio, and Brenden Aaronson, all showcasing their skills in various leagues.

Aidan Morris is back from injury and showing promise, while James Sands is gaining valuable experience in Germany. Unfortunately, Reyna and Tanner Tessmann have not been seeing much game time lately but remain ahead of some MLS prospects. The depth in midfield is looking promising.

Wingers and Attackers

Wingers have typically been Pulisic and Weah, but Pochettino is open to reshuffling positions. Players like Dest, Jedi, Reyna, and others are all capable of playing wide. For the striker position, Pepi has stepped up to fill the gap with Balogun sidelined due to an injury but scoring consistently. Sargent has also made an impact recently for Norwich City.

As the team prepares for March, the competition for places is heating up. The coaches are exploring all options, ensuring the U.S. is geared up for success leading into the World Cup.

Source link