The United States enter the 2026 World Cup as co-hosts in Group D alongside Australia, Turkey, and Paraguay, with a squad that reflects manager Mauricio Pochettino's evolving tactical approach. The group is seen as open, with no clear favourite, but the USA's roster—featuring 10 defenders and four holding midfielders—has raised eyebrows. Pochettino has shifted from a 4-2-3-1 formation to a more defensive setup, often deploying three centre-backs, after early struggles against top opposition.
The decision to omit midfielders Tanner Tessmann and Aidan Morris highlights the squad's imbalance, but Pochettino's system relies on overlapping full-backs like Antonee Robinson and Sergiño Dest to provide width. Both players arrive in full fitness after injury-hit preparations. At the back, the USA have been vulnerable when bypassed in midfield, as shown in March friendlies against Belgium and Portugal, where they lost 7-2 on aggregate.
Up front, Christian Pulisic remains the focal point despite a goal drought for club and country since November 2024. Pochettino experimented with Pulisic as a centre-forward against Portugal but withdrew him at half-time. The main striking hope is Folarin Balogun, who scored 13 Ligue 1 goals for Monaco this season. Balogun's movement and finishing could be key, especially if service comes from attacking midfielders rather than wingers.
Australia, Turkey, and Paraguay will be wary of a USA side determined to prove their quality on home soil. Former Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer dismissed suggestions that the USA are an easy opponent, saying: 'Host nations are always difficult to play against at any World Cup.' The group promises tight contests, with the USA seeking to justify the hype surrounding their so-called golden generation.
