Alexi Lalas, a FOX Sports soccer analyst, has released his predictions for the United States Men's National Team (USMNT) starting lineup at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Lalas revealed his selections on his "State of the Union" show.
Lalas's predicted starting XI includes Matt Freese as goalkeeper. Freese has become the USMNT starter, having started the past 12 games. In defense, Lalas opts for a three-man backline consisting of Tim Ream, Chris Richards, and Miles Robinson, a formation that aligns with head coach Mauricio Pochettino's recent tactical preferences. Antonee Robinson and Sergiño Dest are selected as wingbacks, players who Lalas believes are capable of transitioning into a five-man defense when necessary.
The midfield comprises Tyler Adams as a defensive shield, Weston McKennie in a box-to-box role, and Malik Tillman as an attacking midfielder. Christian Pulisic is positioned as a playmaking winger, while Folarin Balogun leads the line as the central striker.
Lalas also highlighted several players who could provide valuable options off the bench, including Brenden Aaronson, Tanner Tessmann, Tim Weah, and Alex Freeman.
These predictions align with a similar projection made by Doug McIntyre, a FOX Soccer Insider. McIntyre's predicted lineup, also in a 4-2-3-1 formation, features Matt Freese in goal, Chris Richards and Tim Ream as center backs, and Alex Freeman and Antonee "Jedi" Robinson as fullbacks. The defensive midfield pairing consists of Tyler Adams and Tanner Tessmann, with Weston McKennie playing in a more advanced role. Sergiño Dest and Christian Pulisic occupy the wings, and Folarin Balogun is the striker.
McIntyre's projected backups include goalkeepers Matt Turner and Patrick Schulte; center backs Noahkai Banks, Miles Robinson, and Mark McKenzie; and fullbacks Max Arfsten and Tim Weah. Sebastian Berhalter and Cristian Roldan are listed as central midfield backups, while the attacking midfield options include Diego Luna, Brenden Aaronson, Gio Reyna, and Malik Tillman. Ricardo Pepi and Patrick Agyemang are the backup center forwards.
However, some analysts have different opinions. For instance, there is debate about whether Tanner Tessmann will be a starter. Some believe that Haji Wright is a better player than Agyemang, and therefore should be included in the squad.
Notably, the USMNT's tactical flexibility could allow them to transition between a 3-4-2-1 and a 4-4-2 formation. This adaptability could see Alex Freeman playing as a right center back, with Dest and Robinson as wing backs, Adams and Tessmann in the middle, and Pulisic and McKennie supporting the forward.
These projections suggest that competition for places in the USMNT squad will be fierce, with several players vying for limited spots. The increased roster size, expanded from 23 to 26 players, should give Pochettino some flexibility in selecting his final squad.
