USMNT's World Cup Roster: Shocking Cuts and Rising Stars You Won't Believe! Who's In Danger?

Staff

2 months ago · Updated 2 months ago

The excitement is building as U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT) coach Mauricio Pochettino prepares to select his roster for the upcoming World Cup this summer. With only the March camp left before he names the 26-man squad, every player's performance in their respective leagues is under scrutiny. This includes both those who are thriving and those facing challenges, as Pochettino and his staff evaluate their options for the friendlies against Belgium and Portugal in Atlanta from March 23-31.

With players competing in a variety of leagues across Europe and North America, their weekly performances in domestic games will play a crucial role in Pochettino's final selections. Fluctuations in form can significantly impact a player's standing; a strong showing can improve chances, while injuries or subpar performances could jeopardize their hopes of making the roster.

📰 Table of Contents

Players on the Rise
Players Facing Adversity

Players on the Rise

Among those trending upward is Patrick Agyemang. The 25-year-old striker made a bold move last summer, leaving a promising career in Major League Soccer (MLS) to join Derby County in England's second-flight Championship. His decision is paying off; Agyemang has scored 10 goals this season, tying him for the team lead, and has contributed three assists, helping Derby contend for promotion playoffs. His recent performances have put him back on Pochettino's radar after being previously overlooked for national team camps.

Weston McKennie is another player solidifying his place in the team. The Juventus star is enjoying a standout season, playing consistently in various positions and contributing to both Serie A and Champions League campaigns. Recently, McKennie recorded two assists during a challenging match against Inter Milan, bringing his total to four goals and four assists in league play, alongside three goals in the Champions League. His versatility and strong form come as contract discussions heat up, with potential moves on the table as his current deal nears expiration.

Tanner Tessmann, a regular starter for Olympique Lyonnais, is making a name for himself in France. The 24-year-old midfielder has started 17 out of 22 Ligue 1 matches this season, contributing to Lyon's impressive 13-match winning streak, which has positioned them for a Champions League berth. His performances align well with Pochettino’s preferred two-man defensive midfield setup, making him a strong candidate for the upcoming camp.

Another player who is trending positively is Tyler Adams, who has recently returned to health after a knee injury initially sidelined him for months. The Bournemouth midfielder is back in action and is expected to be available for selection, a crucial development given the current uncertainty in the U.S. center-back lineup.

Auston Trusty has also made the most of his opportunity at Celtic, stepping up since the injury of teammate Cameron Carter-Vickers. Trusty has been a consistent presence in the starting lineup, completing 23 out of 24 appearances and even making contributions in the Europa League.

Players Facing Adversity

Folarin Balogun, who was once a primary option as a center forward, is experiencing a troubling scoring drought, having failed to find the net in 11 of his last 12 matches with Monaco. Although Pochettino has shown faith in him based on previous performances, continued lack of form could jeopardize his spot on the World Cup roster.

Haji Wright is another forward facing challenges, recently enduring a 15-match scoreless streak with Coventry City. While he did manage to find the net in consecutive games last month, he has since entered another goal drought, raising questions about his standing within the national team.

Meanwhile, Gio Reyna was expected to be a strong contributor after recent promising performances, but a muscle injury has sidelined him for the last four matches with Mönchengladbach. Given his potential, Pochettino may need to weigh whether to include him in the March camp, especially as Reyna has not seen consistent playing time since the Bundesliga’s winter break.

Lastly, Yunus Musah, a key player during the 2022 World Cup, finds himself in a precarious situation. After a disappointing start to the season with Atalanta, where he has seen minimal playing time, his prospects for making the team this summer are dwindling. In contrast, Josh Sargent is also struggling, having not scored in an extended period and recently being sent to train with the under-21 squad after demanding a transfer from Norwich City. Without an immediate turnaround, Sargent’s chances for the World Cup look bleak.

As the March camp approaches, the performances of these players will be pivotal in shaping the USMNT roster for what promises to be an exciting and competitive World Cup. The stakes are high, and every match counts as these athletes vie for their spot on the global stage.