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With the USMNT’s World Cup roster now officially revealed, the next big question looms: who will make the starting XI? GOAL breaks down who might feature in Mauricio Pochettino’s lineup when the tournament gets underway in June.

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino has trimmed the U.S. men’s national team squad to 26 players — a process he described as painstaking. Selecting a World Cup team is never easy, and the final cut often involves tough calls that no manager enjoys making.

Yet, the decisions aren’t over for Pochettino. Soon, he will have to narrow that list from 26 to 11. Within this group, a starting lineup is taking shape, though only the coach truly knows what it will look like when the first whistle blows.

The reality is that the selections could vary depending on the opponent. The U.S. faces Paraguay, Australia, and Turkey in the group stage — three sides with very different playing styles and challenges. While squad rotation may not be as necessary as in previous tournaments due to the new format and extended schedule, the best lineup for each match could differ significantly.

Still, GOAL takes a closer look at what could be the USMNT’s strongest starting XI following Tuesday’s squad confirmation.

Goalkeeper: Matt Freese

This position might spark debate, but as things stand, Freese appears to have the edge.

Since stepping up as the starting goalkeeper before the Gold Cup, the NYCFC shot-stopper has performed without major errors. He hasn’t single-handedly won matches outside of his shootout heroics against Costa Rica, but crucially, he hasn’t cost the team any either. At international level, a dependable, mistake-free keeper can make all the difference — and Freese has provided exactly that over the past year.

Matt Turner, however, remains determined to challenge for the position, especially with his current MLS form. Pochettino’s handling of this competition will be one to watch.

Left Back: Antonee Robinson

He may not be quite the same “Jedi” as before, but he remains the best left-back option by a considerable margin.

Although Robinson hasn’t fully rediscovered his pre-injury form, his consistency and defensive reliability remain unmatched. The Fulham player might not have the attacking numbers of old, but when he’s on the field, the left flank is rarely a concern.

Centre Back: Tim Ream

Father Time has been held off for at least a little longer.

While questions about Ream’s pace persist, his leadership and composure are invaluable. His ability to play out from the back is crucial for a USMNT midfield that struggles with ball progression. With tactical support around him to cover space, Ream’s inclusion makes perfect sense.

Centre Back: Chris Richards

USMNT fans will be hoping for a bit of luck when it comes to Richards’ fitness.

His recent ankle injury is worrying given how essential he is to the team. The Crystal Palace defender may be the most irreplaceable player in the squad, and the U.S. will need him close to full strength to reach its potential this summer.

Even if he’s not 100 percent fit, Richards still offers quality and composure. The focus now is on getting him as close to peak condition as possible before kickoff.

Centre Back: Auston Trusty

This selection is tricky. Mark McKenzie’s growth at Toulouse makes him a viable option, and both Alex Freeman and Joe Scally bring unique strengths. Yet, Trusty currently looks like the most dependable choice.

Fresh off winning two trophies with Celtic and earning this World Cup call-up, Trusty’s confidence is sky-high. His recent USMNT performances have been solid, giving the coaching staff reasons to trust him in a key role.

While the partner beside Richards could vary depending on matchups, Trusty seems the most logical pick for the majority of situations.

Right Back: Sergiño Dest

Fit and firing again, Dest’s return is a major boost.

The right-back offers a dynamic attacking threat, capable of dribbling past defenders or cutting inside to open up spaces for teammates. While his defensive work can be inconsistent, Pochettino’s setup helps minimize those weaknesses, freeing Dest to influence games through his ball skill and creativity.

Central Midfield: Tyler Adams

The USMNT’s setup is built around Adams, and the roster reflects that. The Bournemouth midfielder is expected to be a constant presence — and the team’s success at the World Cup will depend heavily on him.

Adams’ energy and leadership make him indispensable. His ability to control the midfield and set the tone for others around him is unmatched. There’s a reason he was the youngest-ever USMNT World Cup captain in 2022. This summer, he’ll once again be the anchor of the team, with no clear backup plan in place behind him.

Central Midfield: Weston McKennie

Pochettino could go several directions here — Christian Roldan or Sebastian Berhalter as traditional midfielders, or perhaps Malik Tillman or Gio Reyna in a deeper creative role. But the logical move is to field McKennie, ensuring maximum talent on the pitch.

Some might argue that McKennie’s attacking instincts make him better suited higher up, but his overall quality cannot be ignored. His chemistry with Adams is another major asset, giving the midfield balance and bite.

Attacking Midfield: Christian Pulisic

Regardless of his recent goal drought, Pulisic’s name is one of the first on the team sheet. For the USMNT to achieve its goals, the AC Milan star must perform at his best.

Pulisic’s influence extends beyond goals and assists — his presence draws defenders, creating opportunities for others. As the face of the team, he’ll be eager to deliver a defining tournament.

Attacking Midfield: Malik Tillman

To maximise attacking potential, Pochettino could choose between Tillman and Tim Weah for this role. The decision depends on tactical preference: Weah offers explosive pace, while Tillman provides creativity and control in tight spaces.

Both are capable of scoring, but at the moment, Tillman has the inside track. Still, either option could work depending on the opponent.

Striker: Folarin Balogun

Balogun’s form makes him the clear favourite up front. Ricardo Pepi and Haji Wright have legitimate claims, but Balogun’s performances for Monaco — where he finished the season playing the best football of his career — give him the edge.

His mix of finishing ability and movement make him a perfect fit for this team’s attacking setup. Pepi and Wright remain strong alternatives, providing depth in a position that was a concern at the previous World Cup. Having multiple capable options this time is a welcome change for the USMNT.