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U.S. men's national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino admitted to enduring countless restless nights in the weeks leading up to announcing his official 26-man World Cup roster this summer, getting only "three, four hours every night" as he wrestled with his final selections ahead of Tuesday's announcement.
Unfortunately for Pochettino, those sleepless nights may be far from over. Now that his squad is set, the Argentine tactician must figure out not only which 11 players should form his starting eleven, but also which tactical system to deploy. The team's ability to topple world-class opponents on a potential historic World Cup run hinges entirely on the soundness of those choices.
Over the last six international friendlies alone, stretching back to the October international window, Pochettino has rotated through 28 different players in the USMNT's starting lineup and tested four distinct formations, making it virtually impossible to forecast who and what he will ultimately settle on.
The upcoming pre-tournament friendlies against Senegal and Germany will offer the clearest window yet into Pochettino's tactical thinking and his preferred core group of players. With the World Cup now just over two weeks away, the 54-year-old will likely shift away from experimentation and lean on what he already knows. His primary objective during the final camp will be identifying the most cohesive combinations of players.
That said, here is a look at how Pochettino might set up the Stars and Stripes in the upcoming friendlies and at the World Cup next month.
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4-2-3-1 Formation
Pochettino most recently deployed the 4-2-3-1 system during the March international window against Belgium, a match that ended in a heavy 5–2 defeat. While Weston McKennie actually featured as a right winger in that friendly — opening the scoring in the 38th minute — shifting the Juventus midfielder into a central role, where he can form a double pivot alongside Bournemouth's defensive midfielder Tyler Adams, represents a compelling option. The two share a dynamic partnership in the heart of midfield, something Adams himself touched on during Tuesday's press conference.
"I am confident if I play by myself or if I play double pivot with someone like Weston, who I have chemistry with," Adams said in a press conference.
With Sergiño Dest having recovered from a two-month injury and quickly returning to top form, there is little question that Pochettino will turn to the PSV Eindhoven star at right back in his starting lineup. The American is exceptional at beating defenders with slick footwork, igniting attacks in transition that leave opponents scrambling to contain him down the right flank.
Pochettino is also likely to deploy Malik Tillman in the attacking midfield role; however, the Bayer Leverkusen star is equally effective out wide, meaning he could shift to the right and take over from Tim Weah, leaving the likes of Sebastian Berhalter, Brenden Aaronson, or Gio Reyna to step into the No. 10 spot. Whoever fills that central attacking role will benefit from the reliable presence of Adams and McKennie operating just behind them.
3-4-2-1 Formation
Pochettino tested the 3-4-2-1 system in both November friendlies, a commanding 5–1 victory over Uruguay and a narrow 2–1 win against Paraguay. It is a formation that is inherently defensive in nature, particularly effective against sides whose attacking play flows primarily through the center of the pitch, thanks to the extra midfield cover provided in front of the back three.
Once again, Pochettino could lean on the qualities of Adams and McKennie in central midfield, both of whom are well-suited to showcasing their defensive abilities.
Regardless of formation, Crystal Palace's Chris Richards will be counted on to anchor the U.S. backline. He is the team's most reliable defender, distinguished by his tactical intelligence, composure in possession, and strength in the air. With Richards flanked by veteran captain Tim Ream and Mark McKenzie, the defensive unit would take on an especially conservative shape, as all three are natural center backs.
McKenzie and Ream are less inclined to push forward compared to Pochettino's fullback alternatives, such as Alex Freeman — an important factor when facing elite opposition that demands a defense-first approach.
3-4-3 Formation
Pochettino trialed the 3-4-3 system during the October window, most notably in a 2–1 victory over Australia — a side the U.S. will face again in Group D competition this summer.
This setup feels somewhat more balanced than the 3-4-2-1 and carries a more attacking intent, given the use of three forwards. Coventry City striker Haji Wright earned his start in that match against Australia and delivered a brace to secure the win. Pochettino could well turn to him again up front, with superstar Christian Pulisic and McKennie providing width on either side.
Pochettino could also pair Berhalter alongside Adams in midfield, as Berhalter possesses the tactical flexibility to operate as both a traditional central midfielder and an attacking midfielder for the U.S., potentially adding vertical dynamism to an otherwise flat midfield line. Arfsten is a solid candidate at left wing-back, having logged a full 90 minutes in that role against Ecuador in a friendly that finished 1–1.