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DON'T MISS A MOMENT OF THE WORLD CUP

Is it time for Ricardo Pepi and Alejandro Zendejas? Selecting the starting XI Mauricio Pochettino should deploy for the USMNT clash with Türkiye.

With top spot in the group already secured and the United States mindful of yellow card suspensions and potential injuries, Mauricio Pochettino is expected to shuffle his squad. Here’s who GOAL believes should feature in the starting lineup.

Despite having every reason to relish the emphatic 5-1 triumph over Uruguay last November, Pochettino’s post-match demeanour was anything but complacent. His irritation at questions about “regular” players underlined his belief that this USMNT has no fixed starters – only a deep pool of capable talents eager to prove themselves whenever called upon.

That message seems even more meaningful now, on the eve of the team’s third and final group stage encounter at the World Cup. With victories already secured over Paraguay and Australia, the Americans have clinched first place, making rotation both logical and expected against Türkiye. However, Pochettino will be quick to emphasise that rotation doesn’t imply fielding substitutes or backups – it’s simply a chance for other regular contributors to step in while others rest.

There are several reasons for the anticipated changes. A few core players are walking the tightrope of yellow cards, while others are dealing with minor injuries and fatigue after a long club season. So, who should start for the USMNT? Here’s GOAL’s selection...

GK: Matt Freese

If there’s one player who should retain his place, it’s likely Matt Freese. The goalkeeper could benefit greatly from more match experience.

Across two matches, the USMNT’s No. 1 has made only two saves – both against Australia – as the team’s dominance in possession and relentless pressing have left him with little to do.

With no concerns over suspension or fitness, Freese can stay in goal, gain valuable minutes, and build confidence heading into the knockout rounds.

LB: Max Arfsten

When Antonee Robinson was sidelined due to injury, Max Arfsten stepped up admirably. Now, with Robinson on a yellow card warning, Arfsten should be entrusted with the left-back role once again.

While the Columbus Crew defender isn’t as defensively sharp as Robinson, the system allows him more freedom to push forward – his biggest strength – with the right-back staying deeper as seen in previous matches.

It’s a bonus that Arfsten faced Türkiye last summer, playing 65 minutes against a quality lineup featuring Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz.

CB: Mark McKenzie

Mark McKenzie narrowly missed the 2022 World Cup and didn’t see action during the 2024 Copa America, so this could finally be his moment to shine on football’s biggest stage.

He has been a key figure for the USMNT off the pitch, leading team huddles and post-game reflections, but now he deserves an opportunity to contribute on the field as well.

Should he start, McKenzie might even wear the captain’s armband, especially if Pochettino chooses to rest veteran Tim Ream. McKenzie captained the side against Uruguay last autumn, making him a logical choice.

CB: Auston Trusty

Instant chemistry is the name of the game here. Trusty and McKenzie are well acquainted from their days in the Philadelphia Union academy, but Trusty’s inclusion is not solely based on familiarity. His development at Celtic has been impressive, building on several strong seasons in the UK.

His defensive growth was evident during the March international window against Portugal. His size and physicality could prove vital in dealing with Türkiye’s attacking threats.

RB: Joe Scally

Alex Freeman has impressed in the hybrid right-back/third-centre-back role, but Joe Scally is equally adept at fulfilling that responsibility, maintaining the tactical shape the system demands.

Scally may not offer Freeman’s attacking flair, yet his defensive reliability and experience as a Bundesliga regular for Borussia Monchengladbach make him well-suited to handle Türkiye’s creative midfielders.

If Pochettino wants a like-for-like replacement, Scally is the logical choice. However, Freeman remains an option too, as he’s young and not at risk of suspension.

CM: Sebastian Berhalter

The Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder has featured off the bench in both previous matches, so fatigue won’t be an issue. Pochettino has praised Berhalter’s stamina, even joking that he could “play two matches in a single day” if required.

He’ll only need to play one this time, though it’s a significant one. With limited midfield depth and no direct replacement for Tyler Adams, Berhalter will have to handle much of the defensive workload usually managed by the Bournemouth man. It’s a demanding task, but with Adams on a yellow, it’s sensible to give Berhalter the nod.

CM: Brenden Aaronson

In this setup, Aaronson would take on the Tillman role. While Tillman himself could easily retain his spot given his strong tournament form, rotating him out might make sense here.

Aaronson, though not as prolific as the Bayer Leverkusen star, brings boundless energy, experience from the last World Cup, and a fierce desire to impress – all crucial traits for maintaining high intensity in a potentially subdued match.

Cristian Roldan could have been another option, but a muscle injury has kept him out of training, ruling him out of contention for what would have been his World Cup debut.

CM: Gio Reyna

The creative hub of this lineup, Gio Reyna enters this fixture brimming with confidence after his stunning trivela goal against Paraguay. That self-belief is essential if he’s to dictate play against Türkiye.

Much like Weston McKennie in earlier matches, Reyna will be given licence to drift and link up with the wingers. His vision and ability to thread the final pass on the break could exploit Türkiye’s vulnerabilities in transition.

LW: Alejandro Zendejas

Whenever Alejandro Zendejas takes the field, he tends to make things happen – exactly what the team will need here.

Deployed on the left, Zendejas will have the freedom to drift centrally and operate as a playmaking No.10, with Arfsten overlapping to provide width. It mirrors his role at Club America, where he’s become one of Liga MX’s most potent attackers.

ST: Ricardo Pepi

With Folarin Balogun on a yellow card, there’s little reason to risk him. The real debate is between Ricardo Pepi and Haji Wright.

Pepi has consistently evolved his game, showing willingness to perform the unheralded tasks – holding up play, linking passes, and battling defenders. His involvement in both goals during the Senegal friendly, followed by a gritty display against Australia, highlights his growing maturity.

Having also been prolific for PSV at club level, Pepi has more than earned this starting opportunity.

RW: Tim Weah

Sergiño Dest has been electric in this role, and with no suspension risk, Pochettino may opt to keep him in. However, should he be rested, Tim Weah is an excellent alternative.

Weah already boasts a World Cup goal, offers versatility across the frontline, and possesses the pace and directness to trouble defenders. Whether as a winger or wing-back, he should feature prominently in this match.