The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues, and we’re just months away from seeing the world’s biggest sporting event hit the shores of North America.
The U.S. men’s national team take on Paraguay in its opener on June 12 in Los Angeles, so that leaves plenty of time to talk about who will be in the starting XI for Mauricio Pochettino’s squad.
We all have our thoughts, but let’s turn to FOX Sports soccer analyst Stu Holden on how he thinks the USA could line up for the World Cup:
Matt Freese has solidified his spot as the starting goalkeeper since last summer after a stellar showing at the 2025 Gold Cup. The NYCFC keeper looks to be the favorite for Pochettino and has the inside track over 2022 World Cup starter Matt Turner or other veteran options.
But what about the defensive backline? That’s where things get interesting amid debate about whether the team is better suited with three defenders or a more traditional four-man look.
Holden predicts a three-man lineup with Alex Freeman (newly signed to Spanish side Villarreal), Crystal Palace center-back Chris Richards, and 38-year-old Tim Ream.
“If you look at my back three, the thing I love about this lineup is it has a lot of flexibility. We’ve seen Pochettino play with four in the back, three in the back. He likes to build out with four. … But don’t get lost in the semantics of how the formation looks because that changes in and out of possession,” Holden said.
Flanking those three as wing-backs are Antonee “Jedi” Robinson and Tim Weah. It’s been encouraging for USA supporters to see Jedi return to Fulham amid a knee injury that kept him out for most of the season. Opposite to him is Weah, whose versatility may give him the inside edge over Sergiño Dest at the moment.
“Antonee Robinson is back and healthy, so great to see. I’m going to have him in the left wing-back position,” Holden said. “And then on the other side is Tim Weah, who’s been playing really well for Marseille. I like that he can get up, get back defensively. But also, with his speed, he’s a threat for opponents.”
Who does Pochettino lean on in the midfield? That will depend on if Tyler Adams, who has been out of action for his club Bournemouth due to an MCL injury, can get back into the mix. If so, Holden has him paired up with Lyon’s Tanner Tessmann, a surprising choice over all-everything midfielder Weston McKennie.
“[Midfield] is the place it will get somewhat bit iffy. Tyler Adams, if we get him again and wholesome, I like him in the midst of the sector. However subsequent to Tanner Tessmann – I like his dimension, his passing from that place. And possibly I thought of placing McKennie there, however if you happen to’ve watched McKennie not too long ago, man, the man’s taking part in like a striker, scoring objectives, aiding.”
Stu Holden on his USA World Cup beginning XI prediction, Ricardo Pepi’s Failed Switch and Extra
Which means Holden has McKennie, who has been in unbelievable type for Juventus, additional up within the assault alongside scoring threats Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun.
“I like that little triangle the three of them can type. But additionally I’ve seen with McKennie, somewhat little bit of flexibility, somewhat little bit of freedom. You are beginning to see the perfect of him and man, the man can rating some objectives and make some stuff occur.”
Pulisic has battled some lingering accidents with AC Milan of late, however he’ll be a surefire starter in the summertime for the USA. Balogun, now in his second full season at Monaco, may have some stiff competitors from PSV’s Ricardo Pepi, presently nursing a damaged arm and was on the verge of a transfer to Fulham. And do not sleep on a pair of English Championship strikers in Patrick Agyemang (Derby County) and Haji Wright (Conventry Metropolis) who’ve been on hearth recently.
“Balogun remains to be up entrance. After which Christian Pulisic, I like him being on the left, reducing inside, may get out and in,” Holden mentioned. “This formation, for me, is a workforce that I’d really feel actually assured about rolling out sport one towards Paraguay and getting the win.”
