ไทย
English
中國人
The U.S. men's national team has only four friendlies remaining before their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener against Paraguay on June 12 in Los Angeles, and manager Mauricio Pochettino's squad still has plenty of unanswered questions.
In the last international window before the Argentine coach announces his 26-man World Cup roster in May, resolving those uncertainties this month could be crucial to their chances of a deep run in this summer's competition.
Before the USMNT takes on UEFA heavyweights Belgium and Portugal in Atlanta this week, here are three key questions the Stars and Stripes need to address during this window.
Defining the Attacking Partnership to Benefit Pulisic
The USMNT has a tradition of dangerous strikers, but following the Josh Sargent experiment that failed to deliver at the 2022 World Cup, the team has been searching for a reliable attacking solution.
This window offers a pivotal chance to sort that out against two European sides who will likely dominate possession in both matches. The March camp also marks the first time European-based players arrive in midseason form since Pochettino transitioned the team to a 3-5-2 shape when in possession.
Under the new system, Pochettino will likely rely on more than a single player to lead the attack—and the first question to resolve is whether AC Milan's Christian Pulisic features among that pair, given he has operated as a second striker in Serie A throughout 2025-26, rather than the left wing role he has frequently filled with the USMNT.
Should Pochettino choose to deploy Pulisic as an outright forward who can also drift wide to connect with overlapping wingbacks, the next task is identifying which striker best complements him.
Folarin Balogun, arguably the most clinical finisher the USMNT possesses, is the likely answer; however, he lacks familiarity with the system, having operated in a 4-3-3 at AS Monaco. Balogun should be the primary option, but if he struggles to adapt quickly, PSV Eindhoven's Ricardo Pepi—with his energy and pace—could be the ideal partner to maximize a Pulisic-led front two.
Regardless of who earns the role, establishing a clear striker partnership will resolve a significant number of questions for Pochettino.
Where Does Weston McKennie Play?
When announcing the USMNT squad for this window, Pochettino remarked that Juventus is McKennie plus ten others. In many respects, he has a point, given the variety of positions the 27-year-old has occupied for the Old Lady this season.
Given his qualities as a composed positional player and the depth the USMNT has at wingback, McKennie is expected to slot into one of the central midfield roles, likely on the right side. From there, he can dictate play in the middle while also shifting wide to provide defensive cover when Alex Freeman, Joe Scally, or—hopefully at the World Cup—the currently-injured Sergiño Dest pushes forward.
McKennie is the most adaptable talent and one of the few truly elite game-changers the USMNT can call upon. Identifying the position where he performs best is essential to any meaningful success.
"I celebrate that he can play in every single place," Pochettino said last week. "Like his coach said, he can be the best striker ... He can play fullback, can play midfield. I think he's playing, and he's playing in different positions, and of course, it's good for him, it's good for us. It's good to have a player that can play in different positions and to give the balance."
What Does Gio Reyna's Involvement Look Like?
Gio Reyna's ability is beyond question, but his limited playing time and inconsistent form over the past few seasons in the Bundesliga remains a worry. Nevertheless, the 23-year-old's exceptional first touch and sharp dribbling could make him a genuine difference-maker not just in March but also at the World Cup.
Given that he has logged just 26 minutes of action in 2026, Pochettino would be well-advised to hand him a start in central midfield to gauge how much he can contribute creatively. However, if Reyna cannot shake off his poor form and make an impact against top-level opposition in this window, it may be time to look elsewhere when selecting a potential starter.