USMNT World Cup Roster: Rising Stars and Those Slipping Before March Camp

The U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) is preparing for the upcoming World Cup, and the roster is still in flux as players strive to secure their spots. Coach Mauricio Pochettino has one final opportunity to evaluate candidates during the March camp ahead of the tournament. Player performance, injuries, and club commitments will heavily influence selections for the final 26-man roster.

Upcoming March Camp

The USMNT camp is scheduled from March 23-31, with friendly matches against Belgium and Portugal taking place in Atlanta. This is a crucial time for player assessments as the coach finalizes his picks.

Players Rising to the Occasion

• Patrick Agyemang: The 25-year-old striker has excelled since leaving Major League Soccer to join Derby County in the English Championship. With 10 goals and three assists this season, he is tied for the team lead and has contributed significantly to their playoff contention.
• Weston McKennie: A steady force at Juventus, McKennie continues to excel. He not only boasts impressive statistics with four goals and four assists in Serie A but also substantial contributions in the Champions League. His versatility in multiple positions makes him a vital part of the national squad.
• Tanner Tessmann: As a regular starter for Olympique Lyonnais, Tessmann has become crucial to the team’s success. With Lyon vying for a Champions League berth and performing well in the Europa League, he is positioning himself for a larger role with the national team.
• Tyler Adams: Recently returned from injury, Adams’ recovery has reignited his chances for national team selection. His past performance solidifies his standing as a key player.
• Auston Trusty: With consistent appearances for Celtic due to an injury in the squad, Trusty’s strong performances—especially in Europa League matches—make him a contender for the final roster.

Players Facing Challenges

• Folarin Balogun: Currently struggling for form at Monaco, Balogun’s goal drought is concerning. He is viewed as Pochettino’s main center forward, yet his recent performance may jeopardize his position.
• Haji Wright: After a disappointing streak, Wright showed promise with a recent three-goal game. However, he must maintain this momentum to secure a place in the squad.
• Gio Reyna: Once thought to be a lock for the team, Reyna’s ongoing benching and injury have put his status in doubt. His return to form is critical for future camp invitations.
• Yunus Musah: After struggling in his debut season at Atalanta, Musah’s position in the lineup has diminished. He has appeared only sporadically for his club, which threatens his national team prospects.
• Josh Sargent: Without scoring and not in uniform for his club, Sargent must turn his focus to 2030. His current situation leaves little hope for inclusion in this summer’s World Cup.

Conclusion

The upcoming camp is pivotal for USMNT players aiming to clinch a spot on the World Cup roster. With rising stars emerging and established players facing adversity, Pochettino’s decisions will shape the future of the national team. As performances evolve, each player’s status will be closely monitored.