USMNT Predicted Lineup: With Antonee Robinson also sidelined, how Mauricio Pochettino’s depleted squad shapes up against Panama in the Nations League.
Christian Pulisic and Tyler Adams are key starters, Matt Turner must step up, and Pochettino faces a tactical challenge.
LOS ANGELES – With the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals set for Thursday night, the U.S. men’s national team has been forced to adjust its squad due to unexpected absences. This comes on top of the already anticipated losses of Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, and Sergiño Dest—players who would be automatic selections in a full-strength lineup.
How will Pochettino respond? Will he stick with a 4-3-3 formation and rely on players who weren’t initially in his starting plans? Or will he adjust tactics, particularly in light of Antonee Robinson’s absence? His challenge is to balance immediate success against Panama while keeping an eye on a potential final just days later.
With Antonee Robinson, Johnny Cardoso, and Auston Trusty ruled out due to injuries, the USMNT has made last-minute roster changes. Max Arfsten, Brian Gutiérrez, and Jack McGlynn have been called in as replacements, significantly reshaping the squad just days before the crucial semifinal at SoFi Stadium.
Here’s our projected USMNT lineup for Thursday’s match against Panama.
GK: Matt Turner
Despite limited playing time at the club level, Matt Turner remains the clear first-choice goalkeeper—for now. There’s no sign that Pochettino is ready to make a change, but that could shift if Turner struggles.
When representing the national team, Turner has generally performed well. However, given his club situation, he’ll need to be at his best to maintain his position through this tournament and beyond.
LWB: Tim Weah
Robinson’s absence creates major concerns at left-back, which could lead Pochettino to adjust his system to better suit the available players.
Although Weah has been featuring as a right wingback for Juventus, Pochettino’s staff identified in November—through an ocular test—that his dominant side is the left. Placing Weah at left wingback could be a logical solution, allowing flexibility in other positions to fit key USMNT players into the lineup.
CB: Mark McKenzie
This is a tough decision. Tim Ream brings valuable experience, but Pochettino may prefer to save him for a potential final if the U.S. advances. Cameron Carter-Vickers remains an unknown factor, as this is his first camp under the Argentine coach, making his role uncertain.
That leaves Mark McKenzie, who has a strong case for a starting spot. He’s been reliable at Toulouse, successfully adjusting to the higher level of Ligue 1. While he and Chris Richards have only played together once, this match presents a good opportunity to test their partnership in a competitive setting.
It’s also worth noting that McKenzie has primarily played in a three-centerback system at Toulouse, often as the left-sided defender. Additionally, he started in a 2-0 win over Panama last fall in Pochettino’s debut match, which could factor into the coach’s decision.
CB: Chris Richards
For years, Richards has been seen as a future cornerstone of the USMNT, and he may now have reached the level where his name is one of the first on the team sheet.
The 24-year-old center-back is enjoying the best form of his career this season at Crystal Palace. In recent weeks, both Richards and his club have been among the Premier League’s top performers. Heading into camp in strong form, he gives Pochettino every reason to trust him in these crucial matches.
CB: Joe Scally
The right-back competition will heat up once Sergiño Dest returns, but for now, the USMNT doesn’t necessarily need Scally in that role.
The Borussia Mönchengladbach defender has plenty of experience playing as a right-sided center-back in a back three, and Pochettino could deploy him in that position. This setup would allow Scally to focus on his defensive strengths while making room for a more attack-minded player on the right flank of a five-man backline.
RWB: Yunus Musah
Although listed as a forward, Musah is capable of playing in midfield—but right now, the USMNT needs him as a wingback.
His versatility makes him a valuable asset for Pochettino, providing cover in multiple positions. He previously played this role against Panama last fall, even scoring his first USMNT goal. If Pochettino opts for a similar setup, it would be a logical move, allowing another dynamic player to step in and help offset Robinson’s absence.
CM: Tyler Adams
He’s back!
It’s hard to believe, but we haven’t seen a fully fit Adams since the 2022 World Cup—almost three years ago. While he featured in last summer’s Copa América, he was far from his best. Even his stunning Nations League goal against Mexico came when he was only at half-strength.
This time, though, things are different. Adams is thriving at Bournemouth and will no doubt be eager for his long-awaited return to the USMNT.
CM: Tanner Tessmann
Tessmann made a strong impression with the USMNT last fall and arrives at camp riding some momentum from his time at Lyon. If Pochettino pairs him with Adams, it will be interesting to see how they complement each other.
On one hand, Tessmann is a natural fill-in when Adams isn’t available. On the other, having both on the field together could create a formidable midfield duo, capable of controlling the game’s tempo and dominating the midfield battle.
CM: Weston McKennie
Pochettino has several choices for the No. 10 role, with Gio Reyna and Diego Luna among the attacking options. Given the level of competition in the semifinal compared to a potential final against Mexico or Canada, he might lean toward one of them to add more offensive firepower.
However, McKennie has thrived in this role for Juventus, often being the lone spark in a side that has struggled for creativity. When given the freedom to roam, he becomes the best version of himself, causing problems all over the pitch.
Whether in this match or Sunday’s, expect McKennie to take on a more attacking midfield role at some point.
ST: Christian Pulisic
Pulisic is the USMNT’s standout player and remains in exceptional form for one of the world’s top clubs. While Milan hasn’t fully capitalized on his performances, the U.S. will aim to do just that.
As the face of the national team, Pulisic is a guaranteed starter for both matches unless something unexpected happens. In this setup, he’s listed as a striker in a 5-2-1-2 formation, but he’d have the flexibility to drop deep to collect the ball or make runs in behind the defense.
ST: Josh Sargent
This is the opportunity Josh Sargent has been waiting for, and if he wants a legitimate shot at starting next summer, he needs to make the most of it.
With Pepi and Balogun absent from camp, Sargent is the likely starter. However, he hasn’t scored for the USMNT since 2019, despite making 15 appearances since then—though many weren’t starts.
He enters this match in top form, having scored eight goals in his last eight club games. Now, he needs to prove he can deliver at the international level. He’s done it for Norwich—can he do it for the USMNT? It’s time to find out.
