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Jeff Carlisle
The chilly season approaches for the U.S. men’s national team.
The recently concluded November international period displayed a couple of noteworthy showings for Mauricio Pochettino’s squad. The 5-1 triumph over Uruguay was particularly attention-grabbing. With several players unavailable due to physical issues, opportunities arose for others, such as Sebastian Berhalter from the Vancouver Whitecaps and Alex Freeman from Orlando City, to reassert their arguments for a spot on the World Cup roster.
And what awaits them as a reward? A four-month hiatus until the next international gathering in March. During that period, numerous developments can transpire, with player performances experiencing both improvements and declines. At the very least, the players will resume the demanding task of performing for their respective clubs, or, for those active in MLS, enjoying some downtime to recuperate from a lengthy season. Regardless of a player’s location, the stakes are exceptionally elevated, and substantial effort is still required.
The upward trend that the USMNT has established over the preceding international windows is remarkable, effectively consigning the concerns from the previous June to the recesses of the team’s collective memory. However, this positive trajectory is susceptible to disruption through injuries. Consequently, Pochettino and his staff will be conducting observations globally — primarily in Europe — to identify players who are advancing and those who are regressing.
The interval between international windows — encompassing a number of club-level performances since the November camp — presents an opportune moment to unveil another edition of ESPN’s USMNT Big Board, complete with a projected 26-man squad, and identifying potential breakthrough candidates.
Goalkeepers (3)
Matt Freese | 27 years old | New York City FC
Freese maintains his hold on the primary goalkeeper position, having been in the starting lineup for 12 consecutive matches. However, his mistake leading to Uruguay’s goal the prior week introduces some doubt, suggesting that his status isn’t entirely guaranteed. The continued participation of NYCFC in the playoffs, with Freese delivering critical saves in the Eastern Conference semifinals victory against the Philadelphia Union, will extend his season somewhat. However, under Pochettino’s management, there are no absolute assurances.
Matt Turner | 31 | New England Revolution (on loan from Lyon)
Turner mentioned to ESPN several months prior that he was “confident in returning by October if I maintain my current level of play.” And he did. Yet, by November, his presence was absent, with Pochettino opting for players involved in advanced playoff stages or those playing internationally. Could Pochettino realistically exclude Turner? Considering the Revolution’s keeper’s prior experience, this seems unlikely, however, the U.S. manager favors a “What have you accomplished recently?” mentality. Turner must demonstrate immediate effectiveness in 2026.
– Carlisle: Win over Uruguay demonstrates substantial USMNT progress in 16 months
– O’Hanlon: Predicting the USMNT’s starting lineup at the 2026 World Cup
– Hernandez: Detailing Roldan’s transformation from peripheral figure to Pochettino favorite
Patrick Schulte | 24 | Columbus Crew
Schulte is considered here simply because of his previous involvement. It’s easily overlooked that, had he avoided an injury in June, he might have been selected to start in the Gold Cup instead of Freese. Each match holds significance, and the upcoming year will largely determine if he secures the No. 3 keeper position.
Center backs (5)
Chris Richards | 25 | Crystal Palace
Richards’ absence during the November international window holds little significance, as he remains a guaranteed starter when healthy. He also operates from a position of strength with his club, despite some disagreement between Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner and Pochettino regarding Richards’ availability. Ultimately, Richards is desired by both club and country, which is an advantageous situation.
Tim Ream | 38 | Charlotte FC
Ream celebrated his 38th birthday last month, yet he remains a critical player in the U.S. backline, with his positioning, passing accuracy, and leadership remaining at a high level. Pochettino’s recent tactical strategy of defending with four and initiating build-up from the back with three still complements Ream’s strengths, though he benefits from additional protection when wingbacks are included. No competitor has come remotely close to displacing him. He is now eligible for much needed rest now that Charlotte’s MLS schedule has ended.
Mark McKenzie | 26 | Toulouse
McKenzie delivered a robust performance against Uruguay, reminding Pochettino of the value his physical presence and ability to advance the ball out of the back offers to the U.S. squad. McKenzie also receives consistent playing time with Toulouse, which will significantly contribute to maintaining his standing with Pochettino.
Miles Robinson | 28 | FC Cincinnati
Robinson’s place on the roster seemed questionable for a time, particularly after an injury prevented his participation in the September window. However, during the preceding two camps, he persistently worked and maximized his chances. He also briefly played at right back against Australia, and this versatility proves useful when making roster decisions.
Auston Trusty | 27 | Celtic
As a result of Cameron Carter-Vickers’ Achilles injury, Trusty has capitalized on opportunities at both the club and international stages. The Philadelphia Union academy product has regained his place in Celtic’s starting lineup, and he provided a steady performance for the U.S. against Uruguay. Although his spot is vulnerable with Tristan Blackmon’s return to health, Trusty will be active during the December/January period, while Blackmon won’t, potentially widening the gap between him and his competition.
Full backs (4)
Sergiño Dest | 24 | PSV Eindhoven
What role does Dest currently fill: a full back or a dedicated winger? He functioned as the latter against both Paraguay and Uruguay, although against La Celeste, he played with slightly more internal focus. This positional shift better utilizes Dest’s strengths, shielding him from defensive obligations that aren’t his area of expertise. His position at PSV remains secure, despite a late arrival for a UEFA Champions League match. His role with the U.S. in 2026 remains an open question. The current pool of left backs is somewhat limited, and this could be an option.
Joe Scally | 22 | Borussia Mönchengladbach
Scally was among the prominent beneficiaries of the November international window. After being omitted from the roster in October, his position seemed uncertain, but he demonstrated his ability to play multiple positions along the backline for both club and country — he could even function as a right-sided center back if necessary — which secured his return to the 26.
Alex Freeman | 21 | Orlando City SC
Freeman has experienced a remarkable 2025, breaking into Orlando City’s lineup, debuting with the national team in June, and concluding on a high note with two goals against Uruguay. Pochettino has consistently admired Freeman’s progression through the international ranks, and his performance against La Celeste has created some distance between Freeman and the competition.
Max Arfsten | 24 | Columbus Crew
Currently, Arfsten stands as the only recognized left back on the roster, although Dest and Timothy Weah possess the capabilities to play there. The Columbus Crew defender continues to exhibit consistent improvement in the defensive phase, and his aptitude for advancing and delivering crosses into the box remains a strength.
Central midfielders (5)
Tyler Adams | 26 | AFC Bournemouth
Adams was another player who didn’t participate in the November window, due to a head injury, but he remains a major contributor for Bournemouth, where his vision and tackling are valuable. This also remains true for the U.S. team, where his leadership both on and off the pitch solidifies his position within the team.
Weston McKennie | 26 | Juventus
At first glance, McKennie seems to be meeting expectations. Despite frequent changes in management at Juventus, the U.S. midfielder has claimed a spot in the starting XI consistently, and his adaptability has proved essential. His goal in the Champions League against Bodo/Glimt is only one instance of this.
The decision by Pochettino to leave McKennie behind in November so that he could prove himself to new manager Luciano Spalletti makes a certain degree of sense, but it also raises questions about the extent of McKennie’s assurance. Where he plays with the U.S. is also unclear.
Cristian Roldan | 30 | Seattle Sounders
Roldan continues to impress while wearing a U.S. shirt, and his tenacious efforts against Paraguay assisted in tipping the game in favor of the U.S. There continue to be midfielders in the pool who possess more international experience than Roldan (such as Johnny Cardoso and Yunus Musah), but Roldan has proven himself to Pochettino, and even if everyone is in good health, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to see the Seattle midfielder brought up in March.
Aidan Morris | 24 | Middlesbrough
Morris’ on-field contribution has increased during the previous two months in what is a very competitive pool of midfielders. He’s also a central component of a Middlesbrough team that has slowed down slightly — and changed managers — but still retains a third-place ranking in the English Championship. Pochettino is appreciative of effort, and given that Morris continues to compete on that level, he is expected to retain his position with the USMNT.
Tanner Tessmann | 23 | Lyon
Tessmann is another player who has seen his prominence increase since being left out during the September window. His display against Paraguay saw his effect grow as the game went on, and he even pitched in a goal as a substitute against Uruguay. Recent displays for Lyon by Tessmann haven’t met expectations, but it appears he is back in Pochettino’s good graces, and consistent play with his club should see him remaining with the U.S. team come March.
Attackers (6)
Christian Pulisic | 26 | AC Milan
The hamstring problem Pulisic acquired during the October window persisted into November, which meant that he was absent for the two recent victories. But Pulisic quickly regained his form and produced in a significant situation, scoring the only goal in Milan’s 1-0 win over city rival Inter Milan. Despite Pochettino indicating that no one is assured a spot, Pulisic should be an exception, given he stays in good health and continues to perform for his club.
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Gomez: Pulisic’s statistics in Serie A are world class
Herculez Gomez speaks after Christian Pulisic’s winner for AC Milan vs. Inter Milan in Serie A.
Timothy Weah | 25 | Marseille
Weah continues to be a major component of Marseille, and his versatility is a significant asset. It is unclear where Weah will line up for the U.S., but it wouldn’t be surprising if he ends up being a wingback, especially if injuries continue to plague that location. The U.S. should be in good shape if he is placed further up the field.
Malik Tillman | 23 | Bayer Leverkusen
Tillman has continued to put his mark on Leverkusen and scored the third goal in last weekend’s 3-1 win over Wolfsburg, and this saw the club overtake second place in the Bundesliga. He was also a significant contributor in the 2-0 victory over Manchester City in the Champions League. He has done well in an attacking midfield role for the U.S. and performed well in the 1-1 draw against Ecuador in October. That should be where he is placed, and if he continues to shine for one of Germany’s better teams, he’ll be on the final list.
Diego Luna | 22 | Real Salt Lake
It seemed that Luna was plateauing in September, but he has maximized his minutes in October and November, even assisting with a goal in the win over Uruguay. That ability to finish plays has been missing from other recent performances, so that goal is expected to assist with his chances. His ability to be on the final roster may be dependent on how many strikers Pochettino chooses. If the manager goes with three, it is likely that Luna will make it. But if Pochettino prefers four, Luna may be excluded.
Alejandro Zendejas | 27 | América
Zendejas’ September bump from a man-of-the-match performance against Japan gave way to some injuries in October and November, which allowed other players to move forward. Zendejas is probably still ahead of Luna, considering what is asked of him at Club América, but he’ll need to benefit from Liga MX play throughout the winter months in order to solidify his spot.
Gio Reyna | 23 | Borussia Mönchengladbach
Reyna was awarded the “Man Who Came In From the Cold” award during the November window thanks to some major performances, specifically against Uruguay. But his mission isn’t complete. He has to be on the field on a regular basis for Gladbach, an achievement he hasn’t been able to accomplish. The upcoming months, even with the Bundesliga’s winter break, is a time for Reyna to strengthen his position with his club. Given that happens, his spot will be solidified at the international level as well.
Forwards (3)
Folarin Balogun | 24 | AS Monaco
Balogun is the leader for the starting striker spot, and he scored the winner against Paraguay, his third goal for the U.S. since Sept. 1. The U.S. attack also looks smoother when Balogun is involved, given his ability to get behind defenses and join with his teammates. Situations have also improved at the club level, with his minutes at Monaco gradually increasing.
Ricardo Pepi | 22 | PSV Eindhoven
If there was one player who took a step back during the November window, it was Pepi, who didn’t take advantage of a late opportunity against Paraguay, and generally played less than either Balogun or Haji Wright. That would provide a chance for a number of members from the chasing pack behind him. There also seems to be no moving Guus Til from the starting lineup at PSV. There is some time left, but Pepi is a player who needs to capitalize on the winter months.
Haji Wright | 27 | Coventry City
Wright wasn’t at his best for the U.S. in November, but his two-goal performance against Australia was close enough to provide him with a roster spot. His former scoring pace at the club level has lessened slightly, so he’ll need to continue to perform as Coventry pushes for automatic promotion.
On the bubble
Roman Celentano | Goalkeeper | 25 | FC Cincinnati
For Celentano, the final memory most people will have of 2025 is Inter Miami getting four past the Cincy keeper in the MLS Cup playoffs. Celentano’s full season was more successful, and he continues to be a competitor, but to reach that level, he needs to see the form of some of the other competitors fall.
Zack Steffen | Goalkeeper | 30 | Colorado Rapids
Steffen has been hurt by the lack of a January camp in 2026. It was last January that his national team career appeared to be coming back, but injuries have undone him. Right now he needs to attempt to get back on Pochettino’s radar and produce a case for inclusion.
Tristan Blackmon | Center back | 29 | Vancouver Whitecaps
Blackmon can’t get an opportunity. A knee injury meant that he was absent for a large portion of Vancouver’s playoff run, and a red card against LAFC means he’ll be absent for the Western Conference final. His major performance against Japan in September seems like a distant memory, and he’s now faces a big challenge to get back into Pochettino’s rotation.
Noahkai Banks | Center back | 18 | FC Augsburg
Banks continues to receive minutes in the Bundesliga for Augsburg, having been in the club’s past seven league games; a big deal for an 18-year-old. Banks gives off a young John Brooks vibe. He has large size and isn’t concerned when holding the ball, but has lapses in concentration, and this has led to critical errors. But he has displayed development and was brought in for the September window. Regardless, it seems as if it is too early in the cycle for Banks to have an impact at the international level.
Cameron Carter-Vickers | Center back | 27 | Celtic
Carter-Vickers’ scheduled return in March from an Achilles injury seemed optimistic, and last week Celtic interim manager Martin O’Neill confirmed that the U.S. defender was absent for the season. O’Neill also stated that the player wouldn’t be touching grass until April. This is a blow for Carter-Vickers, and he may miss out on a second World Cup.
Antonee Robinson | Full back | 28 | Fulham
Robinson’s listing in the “bubble” area has nothing to do with talent. But Robinson’s issues with a knee injury that required surgery last May is concerning. Pochettino doesn’t wait for anyone, but a March return is hoped for, at which point how Robinson is can be determined.
John Tolkin | Full back | 23 | Holstein Kiel
Tolkin has shown well on the times when he has played, and indicated he could handle a number of issues against Uruguay. There is not a lot of options at left backs, Tolkin isn’t out of the picture, but Dest, Scally and Weah are options on the opposite wing, so the odds seem long for Tolkin to make the final team.
Caleb Wiley | Full back | 20 | Watford (on loan from Chelsea)
Wiley was progressing, but a back injury has meant that the outside back hasn’t played for the Hornets in more than a month. Arfsten continues to impress Pochettino, so it will take a number of events to occur to get back on the manager’s radar.
Johnny Cardoso | Midfielder | 23 | Atlético Madrid
Cardoso is in good health again, and assisted with 59 minutes in Atléti’s 2-1 win over Inter Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday. This is good given that it was Cardoso’s first appearance since Aug. 30, but other U.S. players have moved past him on the USMNT depth chart. Wednesday was a beginning, but will take multiple UCL performances to change Cardoso’s success.
Yunus Musah | Midfielder | 22 | Atalanta (on loan from AC Milan)
Musah’s transfer to Atalanta hasn’t worked out. The changing of manager from Ivan Juric to Raffaele Palladino has seen the U.S. international not on the field a lot, but he did see the field as a substitute in his team’s 3-0 Champions League win over Eintracht Frankfurt. Musah has played more minutes in league play this season with previous team AC Milan (90) compared to Atalanta (55). There doesn’t appear to be a way onto the USMNT for Musah unless things change.
Luca de la Torre | Midfielder | 27 | San Diego FC
De la Torre is a player who has moved down the list. He received a lot of playing time with San Diego for the season, by the end of the year, he has been a sub and hasn’t started a game in two months. Berhalter and Roldan have moved past him. Time is getting low for De la Torre.
Sebastian Berhalter | Midfielder | 24 | Vancouver Whitecaps
Berhalter has taken advantage of his opportunities, namely in the aforementioned Uruguay match, in which he scored a goal and assisted with another. He has the best service on set pieces in the pool. He is a testament to development and tenacity. It appears that Berhalter will be on the outside given Adams and McKennie return.
