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The U.S. men's national team is fewer than three weeks away from opening the 2026 World Cup against Paraguay, embarking on a campaign they hope will result in a lengthy run on home turf this summer.
While manager Mauricio Pochettino is scheduled to announce his official 26-man squad on Tuesday at a live event in New York City, The Guardian reported a leak of the full roster days in advance, revealing it would be a defense-heavy selection.
Since taking charge of the USMNT in 2024, Pochettino has utilized more than 80 players and multiple formations, with few answers provided by those reportedly named to the squad. Already, it's straightforward to envision the team operating in a 3-4-2-1, 4-2-3-1, 3-5-2, or 3-3-4-3 shape, leaving considerable uncertainty around the defensive setup.
Here, Sports Illustrated examines three potential backlines—and who should feature in them—for this summer's tournament, some of which could be tested in pre-tournament friendlies against Germany and Senegal later this month.
USMNT's Selected Defenders: Reported
Option 1: Four-Man Backline (Dest, Richards, Ream, A. Robinson)
Given the USMNT's shortage of central midfielders, the 4-2-3-1 could be a challenge to implement. Yet it may suit the backline, offering a solid framework for players familiar with those positions.
At center back, Crystal Palace's Chris Richards would anchor a commanding and physical partnership alongside Tim Ream, as the pair did across several matches during the USMNT's run to the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup final. While Richards won't be part of the full pre-World Cup training camp, his composure in possession remains the most vital asset on the USMNT—with Ream's experience providing a captain-like influence.
The fullback positions would be the biggest beneficiaries of this backline, with Sergiño Dest reclaiming his spot on the right flank after registering five assists during PSV Eindhoven's Eredivisie title-winning campaign. Meanwhile, Fulham's standout left back Antonee Robinson commands the left side. On the bench, solid depth would be available in Mark McKenzie, Auston Trusty, and Miles Robinson at center back, with Alex Freeman, Max Arfsten, and Joe Scally as versatile wide defensive options.
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Option 2: Attacking Three-Man Backline (Dest, Richards, Ream, Freeman, Robinson)
If the USMNT wants to prioritize attacking play and press opponents who may sit deep, deploying a three-man backline with an offensive edge could be the answer. That's where CF Villarreal's Alex Freeman, formerly of Orlando City in MLS, comes into the picture as a right center back. His attacking instincts and movement off the ball could combine effectively with Dest as a wingback on the right, while Freeman's center-back partners, Ream and Richards, occupy the central and left center-back positions.
Robinson, a dynamic player capable of contributing both offensively and defensively, would then slot in as the left wingback, providing a well-rounded presence down the flank, with Columbus Crew's Arfsten potentially offering an even more attack-minded option off the bench later in matches.
Option 3: Defensive Three-Man Backline (Dest, McKenzie, Richards, Ream, McKenzie, Robinson)
If the USMNT finds success with the three-man backline but wants greater defensive solidity, turning to a different set of players could enable a more compact approach, functioning closer to a five-man defensive unit rather than a traditional back three.
In this setup, McKenzie joins Ream and Richards at center back, with Dest and Robinson occupying the wide positions. McKenzie brings a purely defensive mindset as a key contributor for Toulouse in Ligue 1. Meanwhile, Ream and Richards maintain their established chemistry, with the two most reliable wide defenders taking up the flanks. It's here where Tim Weah could also step in as a balanced option at right wingback, a role he filled on occasion for Marseille in France this season.