The United States men's national team has clinched a spot in the 2026 World Cup round of 32 and secured the top position in Group D. Despite this, the team aims to continue its winning momentum in its final group stage match against Türkiye at Los Angeles Stadium on Thursday.
Coach Mauricio Pochettino confirmed that players who received yellow cards in the team's first two group wins will not start against Türkiye, who has been eliminated from the tournament. This includes Folarin Balogun, Chris Richards, Antonee "Jedi" Robinson, and Tyler Adams. Several other key players managing injuries or returning from them, such as Sergiño Dest, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, and captain Tim Ream, are also expected to be rested.
Christian Pulisic, who has been recovering from a calf issue, indicated he is available but unlikely to play a full 90 minutes. The expectation is he will come off the bench in the second half.
Projected Lineup and Player Focus
With multiple players sidelined or rested, striker Ricardo Pepi is anticipated to start. Pepi, who started against Australia in Christian Pulisic's absence, is expected to be the primary attacking target and could score his first World Cup goal. "This week, I’m going with striker Ricardo Pepi," noted Laken Litman. "He started his first World Cup match last week vs. Australia with Christian Pulisic out due to a calf injury. This week, I expect him to start again given that Folarin Balogun is sitting on a yellow card."
A projected starting lineup includes Matt Freese in goal, with Max Arfsten at left back, Auston Trusty and Mark McKenzie at center back, and Miles Robinson also in the defensive rotation. Joe Scally is expected at right back. The midfield could feature Weston McKennie and Sebastian Berhalter, with Brenden Aaronson in an attacking midfield role. Tim Weah and Ricardo Pepi are projected as the strikers.
"The rest of the lineup nearly picks itself," Brian Sciaretta observed. "Tim Weah and Brenden Aaronson are long-time veterans who haven’t played as much as they would have liked, thus far. They should be hungry to prove themselves. With Adams out and Roldan injured, McKennie and Berhalter pretty much have to start. Meanwhile, Trusty, McKenzie and Robinson represent a clean swap of central defenders."
Pochettino is expected to make significant changes, resting most starters to avoid suspensions and manage player fatigue. Goalkeeper Matt Freese is expected to maintain his rhythm, having faced few shots in previous matches.
Türkiye's World Cup Campaign
Türkiye enters the match having been eliminated from the tournament. Despite their results, the team is described as talented, having generated 62 shots across their first two games without scoring. They conceded early goals in both matches, first against Australia and then against Paraguay, hindering their ability to secure points.
"Türkiye may be the most unlucky team in the World Cup and will feel hard done by entering this game," Walker Zimmerman stated. "Of all the teams that are at the bottom of their group, especially the ones that have already been eliminated, the Turks are probably the most talented."
Even when playing against 10 men for 50 minutes against Paraguay, Türkiye was unable to score. Their performance metrics, including expected goals, contrast with their lack of points, highlighting a frustrating campaign for the team.