USMNT Roster Update: Evaluating the Squad After a Strong Fall Period

Since the World Cup, the U.S. men’s national team has been in excellent shape. Manager Mauricio Pochettino has experimented with many promising players, but only a select few have truly made an impact representing the Stars and Stripes.

The 2030 World Cup is still years away, yet each international break serves as an opportunity for Pochettino to refine his squad and shape a team ready to challenge on soccer’s biggest stage. The lineup features a mix of seasoned veterans and promising youngsters, and the Argentine coach has plenty of options to weigh.

Here’s a detailed look at the USMNT’s depth chart, focusing on players rostered over the past year, since October 2025. Retired captain Tim Ream is no longer included.

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)

At the 2026 World Cup, Matt Freese guarded the net, but after a shaky performance against Belgium and some inconsistency, he dropped down the pecking order despite logging 45 minutes against Peru this fall.

Both Chris Brady and Diego Kochen got chances recently, with Kochen standing out by playing the full match in a 3–0 win over Mexico, also setting a record as the youngest goalkeeper ever to start for the USMNT at just 20.

Still, it is Brian Schwake who emerged as the favorite to be the first-choice keeper. Schwake has enjoyed a strong season with Supporters’ Shield contenders Nashville SC and was the only goalkeeper to start twice for the USMNT during the recent international window. Though he must continue proving himself against top international attacks, Schwake 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)

Fullback is no longer a concern area for the USMNT. On the left, Antonee Robinson remains the dependable veteran, while on the right, breakout star Alex Freeman commands the position.

Freeman's strong form at Orlando City earned him a spot in Pochettino’s squad last year, quickly becoming a starter. He impressed at the World Cup, silencing skeptics, and continued to shine in fall friendlies after moving to Villarreal.

Joe Scally aims to challenge Freeman for his spot, while Peyton Miller tries to make headway against Robinson’s established role. Miller, just 18, is attracting Premier League attention after his first senior camp and has a bright future ahead.

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)

There are many center backs vying for limited spots, but none match Chris Richards, the Crystal Palace defender and defensive leader both on and off the field.

Next in line is Auston Trusty, whose European club experience and USMNT caps make him a trusted option. He can also fill in at left back if needed.

The retirement of Tim Ream leaves a gap in central defense, one many hope young Neil Pierre will fill. The 18-year-old center back made his debut this fall and is widely seen as a future cornerstone. Known for his aerial strength and goal threat, Pierre still needs development before overtaking 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 often lines up two defensive midfielders. Tyler Adams, now the team captain, is a guaranteed starter. His partner, however, remains uncertain.

Weston McKennie brings experience and World Cup pedigree but missed this fall, giving room for others to impress.

Sebastian Berhalter made the strongest case for a starting spot, continuing his rise since the 2025 Gold Cup breakout. Competition remains fierce.

The young Brooklyn Raines started two games in the recent breaks and played maturely beyond his 21 years. His defensive skills surpass those of Yunus Musah, and his vision beats Tanner Tessmann’s.

Johnny Cardoso might be the most versatile among these midfielders but needs to regain form 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 settled the debate over the top USMNT No. 10 this summer by scoring two brilliant free kicks during the knockout stage and finishing the tournament without major mistakes.

Gio Reyna experienced a resurgence under Pochettino and became a favored choice, starting all four games in the fall and adding creativity to the attack.

Brenden Aaronson shines at Leeds United but hasn’t translated that form consistently at the international level, partly due to limited opportunities.

Young Adri Mehmeti, just 17, has joined the squad, possibly limiting Aaronson’s chances even more.

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)

A new generation is rising, led by 17-year-old Cavan Sullivan, who became the youngest goalscorer in USMNT history in only his third appearance. He's far from finished developing.

Christian Pulisic's role on the left wing is uncertain, with his influence waning. Sullivan also challenges Sergiño Dest on the right, hinting at possible shifts in the attack.

Youth like Mathis Albert, Cole Campbell, and Zavier Gozo provide depth but remain developmental prospects.

Tim Weah lingers between past teammates and newcomers, never fully recovering 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 the leading forward despite controversy at the World Cup and a failed transfer to Everton. His talent in front of goal is undeniable, as he proved this summer.

While absent recently, 18-year-old Julian Hall impressed with three goals in four matches, showing he belongs on the international stage for years to come.

Ricardo Pepi missed camp due to injury but remains a solid option, though he may no longer be the clear second choice.

Patrick Agyemang frequently comes to mind for Pochettino, while 19-year-old Justin Ellis has made strides from playing with Orlando City's B team to scoring twice for the USMNT.