The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues, and excitement is building as North America prepares to host the world's biggest sporting event. The U.S. men's national team will kick off their campaign against Paraguay on June 12 in Los Angeles, giving fans plenty of time to speculate about who will make the starting XI under new manager Mauricio Pochettino. Let's dive into FOX Sports soccer analyst Stu Holden's prediction for the American lineup.
Matt Freese Secures Goalkeeper Spot
The goalkeeper position has become one of the most talked-about topics leading up to the World Cup. Matt Freese has emerged as the clear favorite after a stellar performance at the 2025 Gold Cup. The NYCFC keeper has solidified his status as the starting goalkeeper since last summer, giving him the inside track over 2022 World Cup starter Matt Turner and other veteran options. Pochettino appears to trust Freese between the posts, and his consistent performances have earned him the nod heading into the tournament.
Defensive Flexibility: Three-Back System Predicted
The defensive lineup remains a subject of intense debate, with questions surrounding whether Pochettino will utilize a three-man or four-man backline. Holden predicts a three-center-back system featuring Alex Freeman (recently signed to Spanish side Villarreal), Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards, and veteran Tim Ream at 38 years old.
"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 explained.
Wing-Backs: Robinson Returns, Weah Shines
Flanking the defensive trio as wing-backs are Antonee "Jedi" Robinson and Tim Weah. Robinson's return to Fulham after a knee injury that kept him out for most of the season has been encouraging for U.S. supporters. On the opposite side, Weah's versatility gives him an edge over Sergiño Dest.
"Antonee Robinson is back and healthy, so great to see. I'm going to have him in the left wing-back position," Holden stated. "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."
Midfield Dynamics: Adams' Health Key to Selection
The midfield selection will largely depend on Tyler Adams' recovery from an MCL injury that has kept him out of action for Bournemouth. If Adams returns to full fitness, Holden pairs him with Lyon's Tanner Tessmann—a surprising choice over the versatile Weston McKennie.
"[Midfield] is where it gets a little bit iffy. Tyler Adams, if we get him back and healthy, I love him in the middle of the field. But next to Tanner Tessmann – I love his size, his passing from that position. And maybe I thought about putting McKennie there, but if you've watched McKennie recently, man, the guy's playing like a striker, scoring goals, assisting."
Attacking Trio: McKennie, Pulisic, and Balogun Lead the Line
McKennie, who has been in incredible form for Juventus, gets pushed higher up the pitch alongside Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun. This attacking trio promises to be a formidable force for the U.S. team.
"I love that little triangle the three of them can form. But also I've seen with McKennie, a little bit of flexibility, a little bit of freedom. You're starting to see the best of him and man, the guy can score some goals and make some stuff happen."
Pulisic has faced some lingering injuries with AC Milan but remains a surefire starter for the summer tournament. Balogun, in his second full season at Monaco, will face competition from PSV's Ricardo Pepi (currently recovering from a broken arm). Don't overlook Championship strikers Patrick Agyemang (Derby County) and Haji Wright (Coventry City), who have been on fire lately.
"Balogun is still up front. And then Christian Pulisic, I like him being on the left, cutting inside, can also get in and out. This formation, for me, is a team that I would feel really confident about rolling out game one against Paraguay and getting the win."
