Pochettino's USMNT Gamble: Will He Shake Up the Starting XI Against Japan?
The United States men's national soccer team finds itself in a difficult position following a 2-0 defeat to South Korea in their September international window opener, and now faces a significant test against 17th-ranked Japan on Tuesday.
Under head coach Mauricio Pochettino's leadership, the USMNT has yet to defeat a team ranked above 35th in FIFA's world rankings, making a positive result against a Japanese squad that has already secured their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup a formidable task.
However, there are several tactical adjustments the USMNT could implement from a personnel standpoint as they continue preparing for next year's tournament, despite winning just one of their last eight encounters against top-30 ranked opponents.
Here's how Sports Illustrated anticipates Pochettino's USMNT starting eleven will appear against the Samurai Blue.
USMNT Predicted Lineup vs. Japan (4-2-3-1)
GK: Matt Freese—Although Pochettino has experimented with various lineup components, the New York City FC shot-stopper appears to be the established number one for the USMNT moving forward.
RB: Sergiño Dest—Despite some challenging moments during his USMNT comeback, getting the PSV defender back to peak form remains crucial before next year's World Cup.
CB: Tim Ream—Ream provided veteran leadership in defense for the USMNT against South Korea, and will be looking for an improved showing against Japan.
CB: Chris Richards—Following some rest due to a minor injury concern against South Korea, the Crystal Palace center-back should rejoin his Gold Cup defensive partner in Columbus.
LB: Max Arfsten—Arfsten has emerged as an important component of Pochettino's vision for 2025.
DM: Tyler Adams—The Bournemouth central midfielder has been a consistent presence in USMNT starting lineups throughout 2025 and appeared frustrated with Pochettino's post-match remarks that downplayed the significance of winning following the South Korea defeat.
DM: Luca de la Torre—While Pochettino has utilized Vancouver Whitecaps' Sebastian Berhalter in the defensive midfield pairing, expect San Diego FC's De La Torre to receive his opportunity on Tuesday.
RW: Timothy Weah—Weah created one of the USMNT's clearest scoring opportunities against South Korea, but failed to capitalize during the limited second-half chances.
AM: Diego Luna—The Real Salt Lake playmaker has impressed against weaker Concacaf competition, but requires a standout performance against Japan to maintain his position in the attacking midfielder role.
LW: Christian Pulisic—The AC Milan star registered four attempts and generated three scoring chances against South Korea, but may need to move more centrally to create additional opportunities against Japan.
ST: Folarin Balogun—Balogun managed four shots in only 28 minutes against South Korea and brought a different attacking dimension to the USMNT after replacing Josh Sargent in the second period.
