This piece is part of a collaborative effort among various media outlets from the 48 nations qualified for the 2026 World Cup. In the lead-up to the tournament commencing on June 11, previews are being published daily featuring insights from three different countries.
Strategic Overview
As host nations automatically qualify for the tournament, the USA’s qualifying campaign could have provided clarity on their strategic approach. Under Mauricio Pochettino’s guidance, the team has seen significant tactical evolution. The overarching goal remains to maintain control of the game.
Last autumn, the USA dominated possession against lower-ranked teams like Paraguay, Australia, and Ecuador, maintaining about 60% possession. However, against stronger opponents such as Uruguay, Japan, and Belgium, the possession was more evenly split at around 50%. Although Pochettino is known for his aggressive pressing style, he has shifted focus to a mid-block defensive strategy to curb the opponent’s opportunities in the final third.
When in possession, the USA aims to construct passing sequences through the middle, utilizing two attacking midfielders supported by a double pivot. The team relies heavily on full-backs or wing-backs for width, while midfielders may drift to create numerical advantages.
Despite a lack of depth in the center-back position, Pochettino found success with a back three and wing-backs last fall, but reverted to a 4-2-3-1 formation during a disappointing 5-2 defeat against Belgium in March. Both formations typically function similarly, transitioning to a 3-2-5 in possession and a 4-4-2 or 5-3-2 while defending.
Pochettino faces the challenge of optimizing his squad structure, whether by employing five defenders, as seen in the 5-1 victory over Uruguay, or by ensuring his best players are on the field despite tactical constraints, which was evident in the loss to Belgium.
“Belgium and Portugal have, in the top 100 players, [a] few or some players in that top 100. I think we don’t have [any],” Pochettino remarked following a 2-0 defeat to Portugal. It was the last match before his squad was finalized. Gulp!
Although they may not be among the elite, Pochettino’s 26 selections have garnered more positive communication than those left off the roster. The team includes valuable contributors who enhance the squad regardless of their roles on the pitch, fostering a more cohesive atmosphere than four years ago. Once the match begins, this group is determined to showcase their ability to control games, moving beyond the defensive strategies of previous World Cups.
Coaching Insights
Mauricio Pochettino, a notable figure in the coaching world, has chosen to explore international soccer after a challenging period with Chelsea. A former player, he represented Argentina at the 2002 World Cup, where he showcased his physicality and tactical awareness as a center-back. He remains a cherished figure in parts of north London for leading Tottenham through one of its most successful eras. Appointed in 2024 after the USMNT exited the group stage at a home Copa América under Gregg Berhalter, Pochettino is anticipated to return to club management post-tournament.
Key Player Spotlight
Despite being overlooked by Pochettino and the voting panel for the top 100 players globally, Christian Pulisic stands out as a decisive player for both the USA and AC Milan. The 27-year-old has been pivotal for the national team since they failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, carrying the weight of expectation to usher in a new era of competitiveness. However, this year has been challenging for the forward from Hershey, who has not scored since December across all competitions. Nevertheless, his capacity to maneuver past defenders and create scoring opportunities means he remains a primary target for opposing defenses.
Player to Watch
With the departures of Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey, the USA adopted a striker-by-committee strategy throughout the 2022 cycle. Securing Folarin Balogun’s commitment to represent the USA over England and Nigeria was a significant achievement. The Arsenal-trained striker is valued at over $40 million in the transfer market. Balogun exhibits excellent finishing skills, capable of finding space for easy goals and shooting from distance with precision when provided with the right service. Though his form at Monaco has been inconsistent, he showed promise in the spring and is the latest threat wearing the No. 20 shirt for the USA, following in the footsteps of Brian McBride.
Unsung Hero
Perhaps second only to Tyler Adams, Chris Richards is arguably the most indispensable player on this USA roster. As an FA Cup winner with Crystal Palace in 2025, Richards is the most reliable presence in the backline, demonstrating modern center-back qualities with strong defensive metrics both on the ground and in the air, along with effective passing to facilitate possession play. His contributions have often been overshadowed by Marc Guéhi but have been crucial alongside Tim Ream throughout much of this cycle. A consistent performance this summer could inspire future generations to value the craft of defending.
Projected Starting XI
Fan Expectations
Following a tumultuous March window, optimism among fans is dwindling, compounded by the exorbitant costs associated with attending this World Cup. The high ticket prices may impact attendance and morale, making it difficult to replicate the enthusiastic support seen in previous tournaments. Fans can expect to see the traditional red, white, and blue, along with chants of “U-S-A! U-S-A!” and enthusiastic cosplayers portraying Revolutionary War patriots and bald eagles.
What’s at Stake?
The 1994 World Cup significantly elevated interest in soccer within the United States, and the 2026 tournament is anticipated to further enhance the sport’s visibility. Domestic leagues have aligned their long-term strategies with hopes of reaching new audiences this summer. However, if fans do not turn out (partly due to the steep costs), concerns about investor retention may arise.
For the players, the team’s history of last-16 exits in 2010, 2014, and 2022 means they have not reached a quarter-final since 2002. Once viewed as a potential golden generation, a successful run in this tournament could redeem an inconsistent cycle and validate Pochettino’s substantial compensation. Failure to advance may prompt fans to eagerly anticipate the next generation in the hope of establishing the USA as a top-10 team globally.
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