USMNT Roster Breakdown After a Strong Fall Window

Since the World Cup, the U.S. men’s national team has shown impressive form under manager Mauricio Pochettino. Although the 2030 World Cup is still a few years away, every international break gives Pochettino an opportunity to fine-tune his squad and build a team capable of making a deep run on soccer’s biggest stage. With a mix of established veterans and promising young players, the Argentine coach has plenty to work with. But how do these players rank in the current lineup?

This analysis covers only those players who have been rostered within the last 12 months, starting from October 2025. Former captain Tim Ream is excluded following his retirement.

Goalkeepers

• Brian Schwake (Nashville SC)
• Diego Kochen (Lyngby)
• Chris Brady (Chicago Fire)
• Matt Freese (NYCFC)
• Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew)
• Roman Celentano (FC Cincinnati)
• Jonathan Klinsmann (Cesena)
• Matt Turner (New England Revolution)

During the 2026 World Cup, Matt Freese was the starting goalkeeper for the USMNT, but after a shaky performance against Belgium, his inconsistencies became too much. Despite playing 45 minutes against Peru this fall, three goalkeepers soon surpassed him on the depth chart.

Diego Kochen impressed in camp, playing a full 90 minutes and keeping a clean sheet in the 3–0 win over Mexico. At just 20, he became the youngest goalkeeper to start for the USMNT.

Still, it’s Brian Schwake who emerged as the frontrunner for Pochettino’s No. 1 spot. Schwake has had an excellent season with Supporters’ Shield contenders Nashville SC and was the only keeper to start twice for the USMNT this fall. While he still needs to prove himself against top international attacks, he currently leads the race.

Fullbacks

• Alex Freeman (Villarreal)
• Antonee Robinson (Fulham)
• Peyton Miller (New England Revolution)
• Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach)
• Francis Westfield (Philadelphia Union)
• John Tollkin (Holstein Kiel)

The fullback position is no longer a weakness for the USMNT. Veteran Antonee Robinson solidly holds the left side, while breakout star Alex Freeman commands the right flank. Freeman’s strong performances for Orlando City earned him a call-up last year, and he quickly became a starter. Doubts about his ability to perform at the World Cup vanished after his standout summer and continued strong showings in the fall friendlies.

Joe Scally faces a tough challenge trying to displace Freeman, just as Peyton Miller aims to take minutes from Robinson. Miller, just 18, has caught Premier League attention after his first senior camp, so his future looks promising.

Center Backs

• Chris Richards (Crystal Palace)
• Auston Trusty (Celtic)
• Mark McKenzie (Toulouse)
• George Campbell (West Bromwich Albion)
• Neil Pierre (Philadelphia Union)
• Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati)
• Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic)

Chris Richards stands as the defensive backbone for the USMNT. The Crystal Palace defender is the team's leader both on and off the pitch. Though there are several center backs competing, most battle for just one spot alongside Richards.

Auston Trusty offers valuable experience with the national team and European clubs, making him the most reliable backup. He can also cover left back if needed.

The void left by Ream remains, but Neil Pierre, who earned his first call-up this fall at 18, is seen as a long-term solution. His aerial ability and goal threat stand out, though he must develop physically to surpass Trusty, Mark McKenzie, or George Campbell.

Defensive and Central Midfielders

• Tyler Adams (Bournemouth)
• Weston McKennie (Juventus)
• Sebastian Berhalter (Middlesbrough)
• Johnny Cardoso (Atlético Madrid)
• Brooklyn Raines (New England Revolution)
• Yunus Musah (AC Milan)
• Tanner Tessmann (Lyon)
• Aidan Morris (Middlesbrough)
• Timothy Tillman (LAFC)
• James Sands (NYCFC)
• Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders)

Pochettino tried various formations in recent friendlies, but always relied on two defensive midfielders. Tyler Adams, now the team captain, is a fixed presence. His partner, however, remains uncertain.

Weston McKennie has the experience and pedigree, yet his absence this fall allowed others to shine. Sebastian Berhalter made the strongest case for a starting role, building on his breakthrough 2025 Gold Cup performance.

Brooklyn Raines, though just 21, started two of four wins in the September-October window and showed mature defensive skills that surpass what Yunus Musah has displayed recently. His vision with the ball also edges out Tanner Tessmann’s.

Johnny Cardoso might be the most versatile option among them but must regain his place after missing the 2026 World Cup due to injury.

Attacking Midfielders

• Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen)
• Gio Reyna (Strasbourg)
• Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United)
• Adri Mehmeti (Red Bull New York)
• Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake)

Malik Tillman ended any debate about the USMNT’s best No. 10 during the World Cup at home this summer. He scored two stunning free kicks in the knockout rounds and was one of the tournament’s standout performers.

Gio Reyna, 23, has enjoyed a resurgence under Pochettino and is now a favorite. His creativity adds another layer to the team’s attack, which explains why he started all four games this fall.

Brenden Aaronson impresses at Leeds United but struggles to replicate that impact with the national team, partly due to limited opportunities. The arrival of 17-year-old Adri Mehmeti might further reduce Aaronson’s chances.

Wingers

• Cavan Sullivan (Philadelphia Union)
• Christian Pulisic (AC Milan)
• Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven)
• Mathis Albert (Borussia Dortmund)
• Max Arfsten (Middlesbrough)
• Tim Weah (Marseille)
• Cole Campbell (SV Elversberg)
• Zavier Gozo (Crystal Palace)
• Alex Zendejas (Club América)

The USMNT is entering a new era, and Cavan Sullivan is at the forefront. At 17, he became the youngest scorer in USMNT history just three caps into his career. He still has plenty of room to grow.

Christian Pulisic faces questions about his future on the left wing as his form hits a low point. Sullivan’s rise also threatens the right-wing spot held by Sergiño Dest if Pochettino ever wants to field both attackers together.

Young talents like Mathis Albert, Cole Campbell, and Zavier Gozo provide depth but remain far from starting roles for now.

Tim Weah occupies a strange position between veterans and newcomers. His career has never fully recovered from a red card at the 2024 Copa América.

Strikers

• Folarin Balogun (Monaco)
• Julian Hall (Red Bull New York)
• Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven)
• Patrick Agyemang (Derby County)
• Justin Ellis (Orlando City)
• Haji Wright (Coventry City)
• Damion Downs (St. Louis City)

Folarin Balogun remains Pochettino’s leading striker despite controversy at the World Cup and a failed transfer to Everton. His talent in front of goal is undeniable, and he proved it this summer.

In Balogun’s absence, 18-year-old Julian Hall impressed by scoring three goals in four appearances, showing he belongs on the international stage for years ahead.

Ricardo Pepi had to withdraw from camp due to injury but remains a solid option, though perhaps not the second choice anymore.

Patrick Agyemang continues to be in Pochettino’s thoughts, while Justin Ellis, who began the season with Orlando City’s B team, now has two USMNT goals and hopes to climb higher.