Reyna Ready to Dazzle: USMNT Star Eyes Another Stellar Performance to Win Over Pochettino Against Uruguay
Mauricio Pochettino will go head-to-head with one of his coaching heroes, Marcelo Bielsa, on Tuesday evening as the United States men's national team squares off against Uruguay in Tampa.
Pochettino's squad has been getting acquainted with CONMEBOL competition over recent months, and even while managing several key player absences, the USMNT enters their upcoming exhibition match following back-to-back victories.
An rejuvenated Gio Reyna and Folarin Balogun found the net in their 2-1 triumph over Paraguay in their most recent outing. Pochettino is now prepared to give chances to peripheral squad players in their final match of 2025, though ideally without disrupting the developing chemistry within his 3-4-3 formation.
Here's how the USMNT might set up against Bielsa's Uruguay squad.
USMNT Predicted Starting XI vs. Uruguay (3-4-3)
GK: Matt Freese—With Matt Turner missing from this month's roster, Freese is almost guaranteed to keep his spot in goal.
CB: Joe Scally—Scally has earned his way back into contention and appears well-suited for this position. He should maintain his defensive role.
CB: Miles Robinson—A remarkable athlete who has clearly impressed Pochettino, Robinson is expected to anchor the USMNT backline once more in Tampa.
CB: Tim Ream—The experienced defender's 15-year international journey has produced 78 appearances, and Ream should earn another cap on Tuesday.
RWB: Alex Freeman—MLS Young Player of the Year Freeman received his coach's support after being involved in a confrontation with Paraguay's Gustavo Gómez following the weekend's friendly. Freeman might enter the lineup operating as a wing-back.
CM: Tanner Tessman—The Lyon midfielder is expected to keep his spot in the middle of the park following his solid display against Paraguay.
CM: Sebastian Berhalter—Pochettino might test a different midfield combination alongside Tessman, with Berhalter, offspring of former USMNT coach Gregg, possibly getting a starting opportunity.
LWB: Maximilian Arfsten—Arfsten has been a dependable presence on the left flank throughout 2025. His early assist against Paraguay means he's now recorded six goal contributions across his last 15 USMNT appearances.
RW: Gio Reyna—Reyna's reputation is climbing following his outstanding showing against Paraguay, where he netted the opener within four minutes. The USMNT will certainly gain from his resurgence and enhanced form.
ST: Haji Wright—While Folarin Balogun is anticipated to be the USMNT's primary striker at the World Cup, Poch may give the adaptable Wright an opportunity to shine in a central role.
LW: Diego Luna—The dynamic Real Salt Lake winger has rotated in and out of Poch's selections recently, but he's sporting the No. 10 jersey with Christian Pulisic unavailable this month and likely to partner Wright and Reyna in the attacking trio.
