USMNT 2026 World Cup roster projection 5.0: Anticipating lineup for March training camp

The upcoming March international window serves as a significant milestone on the path to the World Cup. For the players of the U.S. men’s national team, it resembles reaching base camp on Mt. Everest. The effort required to arrive at this stage has been substantial. Now, the question remains: who will have the opportunity to ascend to the peak?

This March gathering represents the final occasion for the team to assemble before the pre-World Cup training camp in May, by which time the roster is expected to be finalized. U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino has consistently maintained an open approach regarding player selection, providing chances across the depth chart and emphasizing that no position is guaranteed.

Although the period for experimentation has passed, this upcoming window is the last opportunity for players to leave a lasting impression directly in front of Pochettino. It will also allow for tactical refinement. With this context, here is how the USMNT depth chart is shaping up.

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Goalkeepers (3)

Matt Freese | 27 years old | New York City FC

Freese continues to hold the position of the USMNT’s starting goalkeeper, but the upcoming month will be crucial for him to maintain that role. He experienced some uncertain moments in the season-opening 1-1 draw against the LA Galaxy, yet he displayed greater consistency in last weekend’s victory over the Philadelphia Union. The NYCFC goalkeeper has performed reliably in a USMNT jersey, but he has yet to deliver a standout performance. This reflects both the strong play of the U.S. team in front of him and the lingering concerns regarding Freese’s abilities.

Matt Turner | 31 | New England Revolution (on loan from Lyon)

The unfortunate news is that the Revolution have lost their first two matches with Turner in goal. The positive aspect is that his goals prevented a total of 1.39 xG in those two games, ranking him sixth in the league. Returning to the Revolution has provided Turner with valuable playing time, but it was insufficient for him to receive a call-up last November. It is worth noting that Turner’s World Cup experience could prove beneficial, but Pochettino has indicated that he is not focused on past performances. A strong start to the MLS season will be essential for Turner to remain relevant.

Patrick Schulte | 24 | Columbus Crew

Columbus has not begun the season as hoped under new manager Henrik Rydström, with a loss and a draw in their first two matches. Schulte has not distinguished himself in these games, but the rapport he has built with Pochettino in recent matches should bolster his chances. A few strong performances in the coming weeks will help secure his position.

Center backs (5)

Chris Richards | 25 | Crystal Palace

Richards’ recovery from a foot laceration sustained in December is now behind him. This is fortunate, as he remains a vital player for a Palace team that has undergone significant changes. His strong club performances will likely keep him at the forefront of the USMNT center back hierarchy, and he is expected to play a prominent role in March. Matches against high-caliber opponents like Cristiano Ronaldo will serve as a significant test.

Tim Ream | 38 | Charlotte FC

Ream continues to be one of the USMNT’s experienced players, and his leadership is crucial for the team and Pochettino. He has shown some vulnerability in the early weeks of the season, which will be an aspect to monitor moving forward.

Mark McKenzie | 27 | Toulouse

McKenzie is on track to surpass his career-high of 2,497 minutes for Toulouse set last year, having already logged over 1,600 minutes, although he missed last weekend’s match due to yellow card accumulation. His regular playing time positions him well for the U.S. roster, where he could potentially be a starter depending on Pochettino’s defensive setup.

Miles Robinson | 28 | FC Cincinnati

The upcoming MLS season is significant for Robinson, who is expected to be a key player for a talented Cincinnati squad. His performance in FCC’s three-man defense should align well with Pochettino’s plans for the USMNT, and his ability to play as an outside back adds versatility.

Noahkai Banks | 19 | FC Augsburg

The competition for Banks between the U.S. and Germany has commenced, with the player expressing to Sky Sports Germany last weekend that he feels “very torn” regarding which nation to represent at the international level. This adds further incentive for Pochettino to include Banks in the squad to secure his long-term commitment to the USMNT. Banks’ club performances certainly merit consideration.

Fullbacks (4)

Sergiño Dest | 25 | PSV Eindhoven

Dest has been a reliable figure for PSV this season and is on pace to achieve career highs in both appearances and minutes played, which is encouraging after his injury-plagued 2024-25 campaign. He has primarily played as a right back for PSV, but he may take on a different role for the USMNT, as he presents an enticing option further up the pitch in Pochettino’s formation, or even on the left side if necessary.

Antonee Robinson | 28 | Fulham

Robinson’s recovery from a knee injury that sidelined him for much of the first half of the season has shifted from a positive note to a cause for concern. After making six consecutive 90-minute appearances upon his return, he is no longer guaranteed a starting position for Fulham, with Ryan Sessegnon providing significant competition.

Recently, Robinson has been dealing with an ankle injury, although he returned to the lineup on Wednesday for Fulham against West Ham. He is still expected to be the starter for the USMNT, but his fitness will be closely monitored.

Alex Freeman | 21 | Villarreal

Freeman’s transfer to LaLiga club Villarreal has allowed him to make late-game appearances, which is commendable considering the Yellow Submarine is currently third in the league standings. The rapport he has developed with Pochettino should help him secure a spot on the roster, but increased playing time at the club level will solidify his position.

Max Arfsten | 24 | Columbus Crew

Arfsten remains in a waiting position regarding extended playing time with the USMNT, given Robinson’s situation at Fulham. The initial weeks of the MLS season have not been favorable for Arfsten or the Crew, but his standing with Pochettino appears strong enough to keep him in the left back hierarchy.

Central midfielders (5)

Tyler Adams | 27 | AFC Bournemouth

Adams’ return to action for Bournemouth in recent weeks is a positive development, as his range and tackling will significantly influence the USMNT’s performance this summer. His health is equally crucial, and given his history, fans will be anxious to see him avoid further injuries.

Aidan Morris | 24 | Middlesbrough

While there is still a long way to go in the English Championship season, Middlesbrough is on track for automatic promotion, with Morris delivering a series of consistent performances in midfield. This should be sufficient for a call-up, especially as MLS players are just beginning their club seasons.

Cristian Roldan | 30 | Seattle Sounders

Every coach has their preferred players, those who may not be the most skilled but fulfill a specific role effectively. Roldan exemplifies this, showcasing a level of trust between player and coach that few USMNT players experience. The competition in central midfield remains intense, but Roldan currently holds an advantage.

Johnny Cardoso | 24 | Atlético Madrid

Cardoso has been receiving more consistent playing time since the start of the year, starting six of Atlético’s last seven league matches. He also scored a crucial goal against Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League, which has helped him surpass some competition in the U.S. midfield. His LaLiga experience is advantageous, but he must perform well for the USMNT when given the opportunity.

Tanner Tessmann | 24 | Lyon

After an unbeaten streak of 13 matches, Lyon has now lost two in a row, with Tessmann among those who faced challenges. However, he has been a consistent figure in the club’s lineup, and while he has occasionally played in defense, midfield remains his primary position. This is expected to be the case for the USMNT as well. A potential partnership with Adams in the midfield holds significant promise.

Attackers (6)

Christian Pulisic | 27 | AC Milan

Pulisic’s season has slowed somewhat, primarily due to a reported case of bursitis in his hip, which has led Milan to limit his playing time. It is hoped that Pulisic will have adequate time to recuperate and will not be compromised by the time May arrives. If the issue continues, a call-up in March may not be feasible, although he was part of Milan’s starting lineup last weekend.

Weston McKennie | 27 | Juventus

McKennie has played nearly every position on the field in recent months, with goalkeeper being the only exception. He would likely excel in that role as well, given his strong performances elsewhere. Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti has been impressed, and where McKennie plays for the USMNT is one of the more intriguing narratives leading into March, but given his current form, he must be on the field.

Timothy Weah | 26 | Marseille

Weah has been utilized in various roles for Marseille this season, but his position within the USMNT remains uncertain. Dest is likely a more dynamic option at wing back if that is the tactical approach Pochettino chooses. If the U.S. adopts a 4-2-3-1 formation, Weah could easily fit in as one of the attacking wingers, but that remains uncertain.

Malik Tillman | 23 | Bayer Leverkusen

Tillman has experienced a mix of highs and lows this season with Leverkusen, but the positives have been more frequent, particularly highlighted by his two-goal performance in the Champions League match against Villarreal. While he is not always a starter, he is getting enough playing time to remain in contention for the World Cup roster.

Brenden Aaronson | 25 | Leeds United

Aaronson’s contributions in terms of goals have diminished recently, with none in his last seven matches, but he continues to be a valued member of the Leeds squad, particularly for his ability to contribute defensively. With some of his rivals for international playing time facing injuries, Aaronson remains on track for a spot on the U.S. roster.

Diego Luna | 22 | Real Salt Lake

At this point, every minute is crucial for Luna, and his absence from the game-day roster in RSL’s first two matches is a setback. Given the injury issues of some of his international teammates, he is currently favored for selection. However, at this moment, the RSL midfielder is likely the last player on the roster. A return to the lineup and a strong start to the season will enhance his chances.

Forwards (3)

Folarin Balogun | 24 | AS Monaco

With each passing week, Balogun is creating more distance between himself and his competitors. His two goals in the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain showcased his agility and finishing skills, and he followed that with a pivotal role in a comeback from two goals down to win 3-2 against Lens. At this point, it would be a significant surprise if Balogun is not the starting forward.

Ricardo Pepi | 23 | PSV Eindhoven

Pepi marked his recovery from a broken arm with a goal off the bench in a 3-1 victory over Heerenveen on February