Mauricio Pochettino's World Cup starting XI revealed - Clear No. 9, Premier League stars, biggest concern for Christian Pulisic's team
talkSPORT • • general
Key Points:
- Brad Friedel recommends starting Folarin Balogun as the USMNT striker, with Christian Pulisic and Timothy Weah playing as wingers, preferring Weah in a more attacking role rather than right back.
- Friedel suggests Matt Freese as the starting goalkeeper, noting the talent of young goalkeeper Chris Brady but doubts he will start due to inexperience.
- Key defensive players for the USMNT include Antonee Robinson and Chris Richards, though Richards' fitness is uncertain due to a recent ankle injury.
- Friedel emphasizes the importance of Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie being fit and ready for the World Cup, with Johnny Cardoso's injury potentially influencing a shift to a 4-3-3 formation.
- Pochettino's USMNT roster announcement is highly anticipated ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with expectations that the team could reach the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002.