The USMNT's performance in the 2025 Gold Cup, culminating in a 2-1 loss to Mexico in the final, provided valuable insights into which players may have bolstered or diminished their chances of making the 2026 World Cup roster. With several key players absent due to club commitments, injuries, or the need for rest, the tournament served as an extended audition for fringe players and newcomers hoping to impress head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Goalkeepers
Matt Freese of NYCFC, particularly stood out, with his performance likely earning him a spot on the World Cup squad. He made six saves in the final against Mexico, preventing the U.S. from conceding even more goals. Freese was also solid against Guatemala, making four saves.
Defenders
Chris Richards solidified his place as a key player. He was a consistent presence in central defense throughout the tournament and even scored two goals. Tim Ream, despite being a veteran, demonstrated his reliability and leadership. Max Arfsten had a strong showing in duels and displayed good ball control. Alex Freeman, while showing promise, had moments of difficulty in the final, highlighting the rawness in his game.
Midfielders
Tyler Adams, already considered a key player, brought his trademark fire to the midfield. Luca de la Torre put in solid performances doing thankless work in the middle of the park. Diego Luna's two goals against Guatemala propelled the U.S. to the final, further solidifying his rising star status. Malik Tillman showed flashes of his playmaking ability, which may earn him a longer look. Sebastian Berhalter provided excellent service on the ball and contributed key assists.
Forwards
Patrick Agyemang, while not a consistent finisher, demonstrated excellent hold-up play and drew numerous fouls.
Stock Up
Several players significantly improved their standing within the team. Chris Richards cemented his place as a first-choice center back. Matt Freese's impressive goalkeeping may have earned him a World Cup roster spot. Diego Luna, Malik Tillman and Patrick Agyemang all improved their stock at the Gold Cup. Max Arfsten made one of the biggest leaps with his Gold Cup performance.
Areas for Improvement
The USMNT needs to improve its performance against top-30 FIFA-ranked teams, as they have lost all five matches against such opponents under Pochettino. Integrating key players who missed the Gold Cup, such as Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Antonee Robinson, will be crucial without disrupting the culture and mentality built during the tournament. The team needs to continue developing set pieces, which proved to be a valuable asset during the Gold Cup.
Overall, the 2025 Gold Cup provided Mauricio Pochettino with a clearer picture of the player pool and the areas that need strengthening. While the absence of several key players highlighted the need for depth, it also allowed other players to step up and make a case for their inclusion in the 2026 World Cup roster. The upcoming friendlies in September against Korea Republic and Japan will be crucial in further evaluating players and solidifying the team's foundation for the World Cup on home soil.
