SouthernWorldwide.com – The question on everyone’s mind regarding the U.S. men’s national soccer team is how they will line up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With manager Mauricio Pochettino asking “Why not us?” about their chances of winning, the selected 26-player roster provides a glimpse into potential starting formations and player roles for their June 12 opener against Paraguay.
FOX Sports soccer analysts Alexi Lalas and Stu Holden, along with reporters Doug McIntyre and Laken Litman, have offered their projections for the starting XI, revealing some intriguing tactical possibilities.
Alexi Lalas, in his projection, leans towards a defensive setup, advocating for a back-five formation. He suggests Matt Freese as the starting goalkeeper, a choice that might surprise some, given the experience of 2022 starter Matt Turner.
Lalas explained his reasoning on “Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union,” emphasizing the stability a true back five offers. He noted that many teams play with five at the back but label it as a “back three” to avoid sounding too defensive.
In this proposed back five, Antonee “Jedi” Robinson and Sergiño Dest would operate as wing-backs, pushing forward to support the attack. The central defense would be marshaled by Tim Ream, Chris Richards, and Alex Freeman.
The midfield anchor would be the formidable pairing of Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie. This setup aims to secure the center of the pitch, allowing Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun to lead the line alongside Tim Weah.
Lalas is firm that Tim Weah should remain in his natural right-wing position, rather than being tasked with defensive duties.
Stu Holden, while agreeing with the defensive personnel, introduces a significant tactical “wrinkle” in the midfield. He proposes a deeper role for Gio Reyna, positioning him to dictate the tempo of the game.
Holden believes Reyna’s ability to pass the ball forward from a deeper position is crucial. He suggests that Adams might function as a lone pivot, with McKennie and Reyna pushing higher up the field when the team is in possession.
This fluid 3-3-3-1 formation, according to Holden, offers the U.S. team unique tactical flexibility, particularly in breaking down teams that employ a low defensive block.
Our FOX Sports soccer writers Doug McIntyre and Laken Litman also contributed their starting projections, offering further insights into the team’s potential strategies.
Laken Litman’s projection highlights the impact of midfielder Tanner Tessman not making the final roster due to injury. This omission could lead Pochettino to utilize a single holding midfielder in Adams, with McKennie given the freedom to roam.
McKennie’s versatility, allowing him to defend effectively while also contributing offensively for both Juventus and the U.S., makes him a key player. Litman anticipates a three-center-back system, with Robinson or Dest as wing-backs.
Folarin Balogun is projected as the starting striker, with Ricardo Pepi and Haji Wright vying for opportunities. Litman sees the opening match against Paraguay as a critical chance for Balogun to prove his worth as the primary No. 9.
Doug McIntyre’s analysis suggests that Pochettino’s roster choices, thin in the middle but deep on the flanks, point towards a three-center-back and two-wing-back system. This formation might place additional responsibility on Tyler Adams as the sole defensive midfielder.
However, McIntyre notes that Pochettino is not overly concerned, as several players, including Sebastian Berhalter and Cristian Roldan, can be deployed centrally to support Adams.
McIntyre’s projection sees Weah and Robinson as the fullbacks, which could allow Sergiño Dest to play in a more advanced winger role. Dest’s attacking instincts could provide valuable support to playmakers Pulisic and McKennie.
2026 FIFA World Cup: How To Watch
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The tournament will be hosted across three countries, with the final match set for July 19 at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
All 104 matches will be broadcast live on FOX and FS1. Every game will also be available for live and on-demand streaming on the FOX One and FOX Sports apps. A record 40 matches will be aired in prime time, with 21 on FOX and 19 on FS1.
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The opening match on June 11, featuring Mexico and South Africa, will be free to stream on Tubi. The U.S. team’s opening match against Paraguay on June 12 will also be free to stream on Tubi.
