2026 World Cup: Where the USMNT stands 500 days from its first match is a topic of great anticipation. The U.S. men’s national team is on an upward trajectory as they prepare for their opening match at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. With only 500 days remaining, excitement builds among fans. Star player Christian Pulisic is shining at AC Milan, showcasing his potential for a standout season. Meanwhile, Tyler Adams, the team’s heart and soul midfielder, is back to full health and performing at an elite level. Other key players like Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, Chris Richards, Joe Scally, and Yunus Musah are also positioned to have breakout years in 2025.
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino commenced his first full year with the team in style, leading the squad to two impressive victories earlier this month. This success highlighted the growing depth of the U.S. player pool, especially with the emergence of MLS talent complementing the European-based stars.
Even the less favorable news, such as Gio Reyna’s struggles to secure a starting position at Borussia Dortmund, seems manageable. Reyna’s health is on the upswing, and he will soon have the opportunity to prove himself under the guidance of a new manager.
As the USMNT takes a break until the Concacaf Nations League finals in late March, the time is ripe to evaluate the current state of the American player pool.
Goalkeeper
In the goalkeeper position, Matt Turner is expected to feature for Crystal Palace in an FA Cup match against Doncaster on February 10. Despite limited playing time, he remains Pochettino’s first choice. The coach praised Turner for his fantastic performances in the Nations League quarterfinals against Jamaica.
The competition behind Turner is heating up. Patrick Schulte has shown promise, but Zack Steffen’s standout performance in a recent match against Costa Rica has made the coaching staff reconsider their options. At just 29 years old, Steffen is eager to reclaim his place after missing the Qatar 2022 roster.
Regardless of the hierarchy, the situation at goalkeeper is looking more secure than it did last summer, according to Pochettino.
“We can feel,” Pochettino noted, “that we are very safe in goal.”
(Photo by Brad Smith/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)
Right Back
Following the top two options, the depth at right back appears limited. Pochettino chose not to call up a backup for Joe Scally during the last full-strength squad gathering, suggesting that other players could fill in if needed. Notably, McKennie and Weah have both played that position for Juventus this season, and several others, including Adams and Musah, have experience there as well.
Center Back
Tim Ream has taken on a leadership role as captain during Pochettino’s early tenure. With Chris Richards now back in regular action in the Premier League, it’s uncertain if Ream will retain the captaincy. Mark McKenzie has also made his mark, establishing himself at Toulouse in Ligue 1.
Miles Robinson has started in January, while Walker Zimmerman, a veteran from the 2022 World Cup, is starting to find his footing under Pochettino’s guidance.
Among the newer faces, George Campbell from CF Montreal has impressed. “I really like Campbell,” Pochettino remarked. “George was amazing — I was so pleased with him.”
However, the competition remains fierce, particularly with Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty making strides in Europe.
Left Back
The recent loss to Manchester United did not alter Jedi’s status as Fulham’s top left back, with potential moves to a Champions League club on the horizon. Should Robinson face injury, the U.S. could face challenges. Scally has occasionally played on the left but prefers his natural right-back position.
Promising left-footed options include Kristopher Lund, currently playing for Palermo, and John Tolkin, who recently debuted in the Bundesliga. Keep an eye on DeJuan Jones, who shone in a recent match against Costa Rica.
Midfield
The anticipated reunion of the MMA midfield trio—McKennie, Musah, and Adams—will occur in March, marking a significant moment for the USMNT. The competition for midfield spots remains intense, even with Malik Tillman sidelined due to injury.
Aidan Morris has made a strong recovery from a knee injury, and James Sands is gaining experience in the Bundesliga. Meanwhile, Lenny Maloney has transitioned to Mainz, finding success in a higher league.
However, Reyna and Tanner Tessmann face challenges in securing playing time, with both players struggling for minutes in their respective leagues. They remain ahead of several promising MLS players vying for a spot.
Winger
Pulisic and Weah are established starters on the wing, though Pochettino is exploring different positioning strategies. Other potential candidates include Dest, Jedi, Reyna, Musah, and several others with international experience.
Striker
With Folarin Balogun sidelined due to injury, Ricardo Pepi has stepped up, scoring crucial goals in the Nations League. His form at PSV, where he recently netted his 17th goal, solidifies his position.
Josh Sargent is also making waves after a successful return from injury, while Brandon Vazquez and Patrick Agyemang are emerging as strong contenders as the MLS season approaches.
Pochettino acknowledged the variety of options available in the striker position, indicating a promising future for the USMNT.
