USMNT Test Versus Türkiye and Switzerland for the World Cup 2026

The US Men's National Team kicks off Gold Cup on July 15 versus Trinidad and Tobago. But even more, the USMNT friendly games versus Türkiye and Switzerland, are milestones in preparing for the World Cup 2026 here in the US. Until then, coach Mauricio Pochettino needs to find a competitive roster of 26 players, who can implement his tactical concepts, harmonize as a social group, and are able to make the World Cup Quarterfinals on home turf next year.

Pochettino nominated a talented roster for the Türkiye and Switzerland games, with star players like Christian Pulisic or Weston McKennie missing. However, a variety of young players with little international experience received their chance to compete on the highest level. A total of 25 players received match time. Both, Türkiye and Switzerland, will be contestants for a spot in the World Cup Quarterfinals next year. The upcoming Gold Cup will consolidate a roster even more. Twelve months before the World Cup, it is totally normal to try a variety of players to find the right mix. Which tactical concepts do work? Who is the right player for the right position? How does player X contribute to the team, on and off the field?

USMNT needs stability versus Türkiye and Switzerland

Team USA defended in a very narrow and high 4-4-2. In the game versus Switzerland, Pochettino’s team was less aggressive. This gave Swiss players more time for decision and execution. Hence, Switzerland exploited the depth of the space. By playing lots of long balls behind the American wing-backs, Switzerland exploited huge spaces by their athletic forwards.

In the game versus Türkiye, the US defense worked better, yet not perfect. Team USA attacked the ball more aggressive, so the Turkish players had less time for decision and execution. Therefore, Türkiye exploited the width of the field first by switching sides, and then quickly going down the line.

Finally, the USMNT showed most stability versus Switzerland after changing to a 5-4-1 during the Second. The team defended deep in their own third, giving away little space for opponents to run or play into.

The goalkeeper position is crucial, too. This is where your attacks start and your final barrier for defense. A goalkeeper’s characteristics dictates a team’s style of play. In order to have more options, it is important that all goalkeepers receive regular match time at their clubs, in the upcoming months prior to the World Cup. Matt Turner is the active GK with the most caps for the US (52), followed by Zack Steffen (30). Unfortunately, Turner is not a regular starter at his club Crystal Palace. That’s why he is linked to a move, hopefully to a club, where he will be First Goalkeeper.

USA should play 3-5-2

Team USA starts with a 4-2-3-1 formation. This is only the general positioning of the players on the field. It is more important how players position and move in possession of the ball, and how they move without the ball. Team USA build up the game from an actual 3-2-4-1. A wing back goes high up the field, while the back three get wide. LBs Max Arfsten and John Tolkin and RBs Alex Freeman and Nathan Harriel showed good runs down the line.

In my opinion, Team USA has great potential for playing a 3-5-2 because of a variety of physical strong midfielders and wing-backs. On defense, a deeper 5-4-1 or 5-3-1-1 gives more stability and confidence. On offense, a deeper positioning will leave more space for potential counter attacks, covered by quick forwards and strong box-to-box players.

Team USA at the World Cup 2026: Possible 3-5-2 formation with Turner; Carter-Vickers, Richards, Trusty; Dest, Tillman, Musah, McKenzie, Robinson A.; Pulisic, Balogun.

A possible formation could have Matt Turner in goal if he will receive enough match time next season – potentially at a new club. The CBs are strong, have good passing skills, and are a good mix of talent and experience. The players on the wings need good crossing and passing skills and need to run a lot. An interesting guy not on my list is Richard Ledezma. He is 24 years old, just won the Dutch Championship with PSV Eindhoven and is a free agent. This is maybe a guy for San Diego FC! Ledezma knows various positions to play and is originally from Arizona. The USMTN midfield can be a mix of creativity and physicality, prioritizing one or the other, depending on the opponent. A skillful, creative, quick player links the attack to a fast striker with clinical finishing.

The USA will make the World Cup 2026 Quarterfinals

I believe Team USA will make the Quarterfinals of the World Cup 2026. This team has 12 more months to grow as a team and improve as individual players. In twelve months of soccer practice you can improve so much! Players can work on fundamental skills, tactical understanding, or physical abilities. In the meantime, it will be crucial to consolidate a strong roster of 40 players, implement a tactical concept, and compete on the highest level.