USMNT: Starting Lineup Predictions for the 2026 World Cup

Memory is fragile, but some recent events in American soccer still resonate. Let’s remember the US men’s team’s defeat to Mexico in the Gold Cup final, a match that left much to be desired. Also present in memory is the uncertainty of some commentators about whether MLS players were more eager than their Champions League teammates. And, of course, the disappointment after the defeats against Turkey and Switzerland. The debate over call-ups, tournament eliminations, and the arrival of a renowned coach like Mauricio Pochettino have marked a period of constant changes and expectations. The recent 5-1 victory over Uruguay, with an outstanding offensive performance and some external factors, has generated optimism. Although there are seven months until the World Cup, the American fan has experienced many emotions in the last 18 months. In this context, it’s natural to wonder about the lineup Pochettino might present at SoFi Stadium on June 12, 2026. To do this, we can analyze previous World Cup cycles and draw some conclusions.

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Analysis of Alignments in Previous World Cups

In the 2010 World Cup, the starting eleven against England included Tim Howard in goal, with a defense composed of Steve Cherundolo, Jay Demerit, Oguchi Onyewu, and Carlos Bocanegra. In midfield, Michael Bradley and Ricardo Clark, and ahead, Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey as attacking midfielders. Up front, Jozy Altidore and Robbie Findley. Seven of those names were predictable: Howard, Onyewu, Bocanegra, Bradley, Donovan, Dempsey, and Altidore. Cherundolo, although with fewer minutes due to injuries, was captain of Hannover. Clark and Demerit, with important minutes, fit into the “possible starters” category. The surprise was Findley, who took advantage of an opportunity after Charlie Davies’ injury. In 2014, Howard repeated in goal. The defense was formed by Fabian Johnson, DaMarcus Beasley, Geoff Cameron and Matt Besler. Jurgen Klinsmann opted for a diamond midfield with Kyle Beckerman at the base and three midfielders (Jermaine Jones, Bradley and Alejandro Bedoya). Dempsey played behind Altidore. In 2013, Howard, Beasley, and Altidore surpassed 1,000 minutes, while Dempsey, Bradley, Jones, Cameron, and Besler played at least 900. Bedoya and Beckerman added significant minutes. Seven players were regulars, and Johnson fulfilled Cherundolo’s role. Bedoya and Beckerman completed the squad. Between 2010 and 2014, four players repeated as starters: Howard, Bradley, Dempsey, and Altidore. The non-qualification in 2018 prevents drawing a line, so we focus on 2022.

In 2022, the starting eleven against Wales included Matt Turner in goal, with Dest, Robinson, Zimmerman, and Ream in defense. In midfield, Adams, McKennie, and Musah, and in attack Pulisic, Weah, and Sargent. Turner, Adams, Robinson, McKennie, Zimmerman, and Dest were starters. Pulisic fulfilled the role of Cherundolo/Johnson. Musah and Weah were “possible starters”, while Ream and Sargent were surprises.

Analyzing the last three World Cups, it is observed that there are usually about seven expected starters, a player who plays if he is in shape, and a combination of possible starters and surprises.

Of the 33 starters in the previous three World Cups, one played zero minutes the previous year, three played less than 500 minutes, 17 between 500 and 900 minutes, and 11 played 1,000 minutes or more. Goalkeepers averaged 1,135 minutes the year before the World Cup, and outfield players, 799.

In the last year, few highly talented American players have surpassed 500 minutes. The eleven players who did are: Freese, Ream, Arfsten, Richards, Freeman, Luna, Agyemang, Tillman, Berhalter, Adams, and De la Torre. Based on the list of players with over 1,000 minutes, Freese, Ream, Richards, and Arfsten seem secure as starters. Adams is also very likely in central midfield. Freeman, who has played as a central-side back, could take a place in the defense. Pulisic, if he is in shape, is another sure thing. This leaves four positions to be filled: right back, the other central midfielder, the other attacking midfielder and the forward. Balogun, because of his shots, seems to be the starting forward. Dest, as right back. In the attacking midfield, Tillman could be the choice, due to his playing time with Pochettino. For the position next to Adams, McKennie could be the surprise. The predicted lineup could be incorrect, but with key players from the year, an injured star, and players coming and going, it resembles the USMNT lineups that have played in recent World Cups.