USMNT Roster Breakdown: Who’s Leading and Who’s Fighting for Spots After a Strong Fall

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 was the USMNT's goalkeeper but a poor performance against Belgium ended his run as starter. He still played part of the game against Peru this fall but soon dropped behind three other goalkeepers in the pecking order.

Diego Kochen earned praise this camp, starting and keeping a clean sheet in the 3–0 victory over Mexico. At 20, he became the youngest goalkeeper ever to start for the USMNT.

Still, Brian Schwake emerged as the favorite to be Mauricio Pochettino’s No. 1 goalkeeper. Schwake had a standout season with Nashville SC and was the only goalie to start twice for the USMNT this fall. He has room to grow but 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 USMNT’s fullback positions are solid. On the left, the experienced Antonee Robinson holds firm, while on the right, breakout star Alex Freeman has become a regular starter after impressive performances at Orlando City and Villarreal. He shone at the World Cup and kept strong form in recent friendlies.

Joe Scally aims to take Freeman's spot, while Peyton Miller tries to earn minutes from Robinson. Miller, just 18, has attracted Premier League interest after his first senior camp.

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 is a key figure in the defense and considered irreplaceable, leading the backline for the USMNT both on and off the field. Auston Trusty offers experience and versatility, capable of playing center or left back.

There's a gap where former captain Tim Ream once played. The promising 18-year-old Neil Pierre made his first call-up this fall and many see him as the future replacement. He's strong in the air and scores occasionally but needs to develop physically before surpassing veterans like 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 consistently uses two defensive midfielders. New captain Tyler Adams is a guaranteed starter, but the second spot is open. While Weston McKennie has experience and pedigree, his absence gave others a chance to shine.

Sebastian Berhalter impressed and stakes a claim after his rise since the 2025 Gold Cup. Youngster Brooklyn Raines started two games recently and showed maturity beyond his 21 years. His defensive skills outmatch Yunus Musah's recent displays, and he sees better passing lanes than Tanner Tessmann.

Johnny Cardoso might be the most well-rounded midfielder but needs to regain Pochettino’s trust following an ankle injury that kept him out of the 2026 World Cup.

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 about the top No. 10 with a standout World Cup performance, scoring two stunning free kicks and avoiding criticism during the tournament. Gio Reyna enjoyed a revival under Pochettino and started all four recent games, adding creativity to the attack.

Brenden Aaronson excels at Leeds United but struggles to replicate that form for the USMNT, partly due to limited chances. Meanwhile, 17-year-old Adri Mehmeti joins the squad, potentially reducing Aaronson’s opportunities further.

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’s next generation is led by 17-year-old Cavan Sullivan, who became the youngest scorer in team history early in his career. His rise challenges Christian Pulisic’s place on the left wing, especially as Pulisic’s form has dipped. Sullivan also threatens Sergiño Dest on the right if Pochettino opts for a dynamic front line.

Youth players like Mathis Albert, Cole Campbell, and Zavier Gozo offer depth but remain long-term projects. Tim Weah remains stuck between generations, never quite recovering his form since 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 top striker despite controversy at the World Cup and a failed transfer to Everton. His skill in front of goal stands out. In his absence, 18-year-old Julian Hall impressed with three goals in four games, proving he belongs internationally.

Ricardo Pepi withdrew from the recent camp due to injury but is still a solid option, though perhaps no longer the second choice.

Patrick Agyemang is often considered for selection, alongside rising star Justin Ellis, who began the season with Orlando City's B team and has already scored twice for the USMNT.