Following a disappointing Nations League, GOAL projects which players could be on the USMNT roster for the Gold Cup
For the first time since 2019, the U.S. men's national team looks set to bring a full-strength squad to the Gold Cup. That is by necessity. After a dreadful two-game CONCACAF Nations League set in March, and with a World Cup just more than a year away, USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino needs to fine-tune this team – and do it quickly.
All indications are that the U.S. will be taking this summer's tournament very seriously, which means the team's top players are expected to be involved. The stars need to be aligned, literally. Christian Pulisic has participated in this tournament just once, playing back in 2019, but he and other European-based stars look set to be in the squad.
Even so, there will be a few notable absences due to the Club World Cup, which will be played simultaneously, also in the U.S. Weston McKennie and Tim Weah look set to miss out due to Juventus commitments. Gio Reyna could too, depending on his transfer situation at Borussia Dortmund.
Others unavailable include Dortmund prospect Cole Campbell, Seattle Sounders' regulars Jesus Ferreira and Jordan Morris and, potentially, Club America's Alejandro Zendejas should his side make it as a late qualifier.
In the modern-day Gold Cup, the U.S. are the second-most successful team, only trailing Mexico in terms of titles with seven to El Tri's nine. They have qualified for every edition of the competition since 1991, and won most recently in 2021.
So who could be in the Gold Cup squad? Who is on the outside looking in? Which players can Pochettino count on and what tough decisions will the USMNT boss have to make? GOAL takes a look.
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GOAL's picks: Patrick Schulte, Zack Steffen, Matt Turner
All eyes will be on Turner, whose club future will be the big talking point of the summer. Sorting that comes first because, regardless of how he performs in the Gold Cup, he'll need the playing time next season if he wants to stay No. 1 entering 2026. It's unlikely a transfer would impact his availability, so he should be in camp to compete, and potentially, to start.
Could Pochettino give someone else a go this summer? Both Schulte and Steffen should be in good shape given the timeline of the MLS season, making them legitimate contenders. Pochettino could also use a goalkeeping spot on a younger option, someone such as Kochen or Slonina, who could play themselves into the mix with a club switch next season, too.
Either way, it's clear that this position remains, well, unclear – and it's one Pochettino will need to sort over the next year.
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GOAL's picks: Cameron Carter-Vickers, Sergino Dest, Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Joe Scally, Antonee Robinson
The return of Dest will be a welcome sight, as the PSV star – now back from a long injury layoff – adds a major wrinkle to how this team plays. The USMNT's lack of attacking width was apparent in the Nations League with both Dest and Robinson absent. Both are elite-level attackers, and both will make a major difference should they return to the national team situation this summer.
At center-back, things are a bit trickier, as there are plenty of good candidates for just a few spots. It will depend on how these players push towards the end of the season. Richards seems the safest bet given his form for Crystal Palace but, otherwise, everyone else is on notice following the Nations League.
Banks is a real wildcard. He was in the Nations League preliminary roster but has only played up to the U20 level. Wiley, too, could be a fun wrinkle to throw in out wide, particularly due to his versatility off the bench. Tolkin, finally, could also be a good option at left-back now that he's healthy at Holstein Kiel.
ImagnMidfielders
GOAL's picks: Brenden Aaronson, Tyler Adams, Johnny Cardoso, Diego Luna, Jack McGlynn, Yunus Musah, Tanner Tessmann, Malik Tillman
No McKennie or Reyna here, at least for now, which opens spots. Reyna's could go to Brenden Aaronson, who responded to his Nations League omission with a goal for Leeds. At the very least, he brings some of the energy and endeavor that was missing last time around, so he should be back in the team.
As for McKennie's spot, McGlynn seems to be a Pochettino favorite, even if he offers a different profile. Considering the fact that the USMNT will be playing with the ball for most of these games, the Houston Dynamo midfielder could be useful, either as a group stage starter or as a bench option.
The attacking midfield spots, in particular, will be ones to watch. Luna has earned his place and could very well be a starter this summer, but the return of Tillman also gives Pochettino a dynamic attacking weapon.
Those two will be competing for chances to play a bigger role going forward, and this Gold Cup could be key for both as they push for starting spots on the road to the World Cup. Due to a lack of wing depth, though, don't be surprised to see either start out wide, while the same can be said of Aaronson, too.
Keep an eye on Reyna, though. Reports indicate he could leave Dortmund this summer and, if that does happen, he could suddenly be available for Pochettino. However, his lack of playing time may cost him, move or no move, as there are plenty of other attacking midfield options.
ImagnForwards
GOAL's picks: Folarin Balogun, Christian Pulisic, Josh Sargent, Haji Wright, Alejandro Zendejas
This group could certainly change depending on several factors. First, of course, is Club America's potential to be in the Club World Cup. FIFA has plans for America to play LAFC for the last CWC spot, pending an appeal from the expelled Leon. Should that happen and then they beat LAFC, that takes Zendejas off the board, depriving the U.S. of a potentially-key option out wide.
The second is Pepi's health. The PSV star is out for the club season after undergoing knee surgery, and it might just be wiser to leave him out of the team to ensure he's healthy and ready to score boatloads of goals in 2026.
The group is, admittedly, a little striker heavy but, at the moment, there are a real lack of wide options, particularly with players such as Weah not in the team. Pochettino could rectify that by going with two up top and Pulisic in behind, of course. He could also lean on someone like Wright, who has played plenty both out wide and centrally.
There are also the likes of Luna, Aaronson and Tillman – all spiritually part of this group as attack-minded midfielders that could occupy a place as a No. 10 or a winger.
Keep an eye on Paredes, as well. He's back healthy and a good run of games with Wolfsburg could bring him into the picture. Paredes is the type of energetic player this team desperately needs – and if he's truly healthy and contributing, he could be one newcomer to watch.