The build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is well underway, and in just a few months the biggest sporting spectacle on the planet will arrive in North America.
The U.S. men’s national team will face Paraguay in its opening match on June 12 in Los Angeles, leaving plenty of time to debate which players will make up Mauricio Pochettino’s preferred starting XI.
Everyone has an opinion, but FOX Sports soccer analyst Stu Holden shared his thoughts on how he believes the USA could line up for the tournament:
Matt Freese has firmly established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper since last summer following an outstanding performance at the 2025 Gold Cup. The NYCFC shot-stopper appears to be Pochettino’s top option, putting him ahead of 2022 World Cup starter Matt Turner and other experienced candidates.
The bigger question lies in defense, where there is ongoing discussion about whether the team is best suited to a back three or a more traditional four-man system.
Holden expects a three-center-back setup featuring Alex Freeman (recently signed by Spanish club Villarreal), Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards, and veteran Tim Ream, now 38.
“When I look at this back three, what stands out is how flexible it is,” Holden explained. “We’ve seen Pochettino use both four and three at the back. He likes building out with four, but people shouldn’t get too focused on how the formation looks on paper because it changes depending on whether the team has the ball or not.”
Operating as wing-backs would be Antonee “Jedi” Robinson and Tim Weah. Robinson’s return to Fulham after a knee injury that sidelined him for much of the season has been encouraging for U.S. fans. On the opposite flank, Weah’s adaptability could currently give him an advantage over Sergiño Dest.
“It’s great to see Antonee Robinson healthy again, so I have him at left wing-back,” Holden said. “On the right side, I’m going with Tim Weah, who’s been performing very well for Marseille. He can track back defensively, and with his pace, he’s always a danger going forward.”
Midfield selection will largely depend on the fitness of Tyler Adams, who has been sidelined at Bournemouth with an MCL injury. If he returns in time, Holden would partner him with Lyon’s Tanner Tessmann — a somewhat unexpected choice ahead of Weston McKennie.
“This is where things get a little uncertain,” Holden admitted. “If Tyler Adams is healthy, I love him in the middle. And next to him, Tanner Tessmann — I really like his size and his ability to pass from deep. I thought about McKennie there, but lately he’s been playing more like a forward, scoring goals and providing assists.”
As a result, Holden places McKennie higher up the pitch alongside attacking threats Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun.
“I really like the triangle those three can form,” Holden said. “McKennie gives you freedom and flexibility, and right now we’re seeing the best version of him. He can score goals and make things happen in the final third.”
Pulisic has dealt with some minor injury issues at AC Milan recently, but he is expected to be a guaranteed starter for the USA this summer. Balogun, now in his second full campaign with Monaco, will face competition from PSV striker Ricardo Pepi, who is recovering from a broken arm and had been close to a move to Fulham. There is also strong form from English Championship forwards Patrick Agyemang (Derby County) and Haji Wright (Coventry City), both of whom have been scoring freely.
“Balogun is still my pick up front,” Holden said. “And I like Christian Pulisic on the left, cutting inside and contributing at both ends. This setup is a team I’d feel very confident starting against Paraguay in the opening match and believing they can get the victory.”
