SouthernWorldwide.com – With the United States men’s national team set to face Türkiye in a World Cup group stage finale, the match presents a unique scenario where neither team has anything significant to play for. Türkiye has already been eliminated from the tournament, while the USMNT has secured their advancement. This situation opens the door for potential lineup changes and strategic considerations for coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Pochettino faces the task of balancing player rest, development, and the need to maintain competitive sharpness. Several key players are currently on yellow cards, making them susceptible to suspension for the crucial knockout rounds. These include Tyler Adams, Chris Richards, Antonee “Jedi” Robinson, and Folarin Balogun, all of whom started the first two matches. It is highly advisable that these players do not feature against Türkiye to avoid risking their availability for the round of 32.
The article explores potential starting lineups, substitutions, and tactical approaches that Pochettino might consider. The team’s tactics have evolved over the past year, often relying on a stable defensive unit featuring Tim Ream, Alex Freeman, and Richards. However, with a heavily rotated squad, simplicity might be prioritized.
Central midfield presents a challenge due to Adams’ need to sit out and Roldan’s questionable fitness. Pochettino’s selection choices can be unpredictable, as demonstrated by the surprise start of Ricardo Pepi and Balogun together against Australia. Despite this, a 3-4-3 formation appears to be the most logical choice given the available players.
The approach Türkiye will take in this match remains uncertain. Teams facing early elimination can react in various ways. Some may lose motivation, while others might strive to finish with pride. The USMNT should prepare for a strong performance from Türkiye, making for a potentially difficult contest.
The Marseille winger/right back is a player who needs to feature in this game to assess his response to his current standing within the team. A veteran of the 2022 World Cup, where he scored in the opening match, he is currently lower in the pecking order. He should be motivated to make a statement with any opportunity he gets.
The versatile Leeds United attacker consistently brings high intensity and effort. With experience in the Premier League, World Cup, and Champions League, he could provide leadership to a less experienced lineup.
Pochettino has publicly praised Berhalter’s professionalism and tactical discipline. Having played significant minutes with the team over the past year, Berhalter understands the coach’s tactical demands. With limited options in central midfield, his presence in the starting lineup is crucial.
The Columbus Crew veteran has been a consistent starter at left back when Antonee Robinson has been unavailable, which was the case for much of 2025. With Robinson likely to be rested, Arfsten is a natural replacement.
If Pochettino decides to rest Alex Freeman or use Sergino Dest as a substitute, Scally emerges as the logical choice for the right wing-back position.
The Philadelphia Union product and current Toulouse central defender is the most sensible option to slot into the center of defense, replacing Richards.
Trusty has seen his role within the team grow since the fall, and he offers a left-footed option for a three-man backline.
While Robinson has not had his best year in 2026 for club or country, if significant squad rotation occurs, he is likely to return to the right side of the defense.
Freese might not necessarily need to start this game, but he has faced few shots in the opening two matches. This game could help him maintain his rhythm ahead of more critical upcoming fixtures.
The question of who would start in defensive midfield if Tyler Adams were unavailable has been a concern. With Roldan also dealing with an injury, McKennie could be given the nod, especially after playing in a more attacking role in the first two games. Pochettino’s frequent praise for McKennie’s versatility suggests this could be a strategic move.
The PSV Eindhoven forward started the second game alongside Balogun in a two-striker formation, after coming off the bench in the first. Pepi is more than capable of being effective as a lone striker for this team. He has often excelled in this role for PSV Eindhoven, where he scored 19 goals this season, contributing to their Eredivisie title win and advancement in the Champions League knockout stages.
The health of the AC Milan star has been a major storyline surrounding the team. While indications suggest he is nearing a full return, bringing him off the bench seems prudent. This allows Pochettino to assess the game situation and determine if Pulisic is ready for minutes.
Although Reyna made his first start of 2026 in a pre-World Cup friendly against Senegal, his role in this World Cup has been as an offensive substitute. With a makeshift lineup, all players will be expected to contribute more defensively. However, this match provides an opportunity to keep Reyna in rhythm and contribute offensively.
The Coventry forward could be a valuable attacking option off the bench, particularly with Balogun potentially absent from the lineup.
He offers a different attacking profile compared to Aaronson and provides a left-footed option who can play in midfield or on the wing. Despite limited playtime under Pochettino, the team might find a role for him in this match.
Roldan has been a popular figure within the squad for years and is participating in his second World Cup. The Seattle midfielder has been managing an injury this week. However, if he can get on the field at the end of this game, it would be a welcome sight, especially considering he did not feature in Qatar.
