Following a disappointing 2-0 loss to Portugal—the world's sixth-ranked side—the USMNT has concluded its final fixture ahead of Mauricio Pochettino’s crucial decision-making process. The manager is now tasked with finalizing his 26-man roster for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.

The Roster Selection Dilemma

While the core of the national team has remained largely consistent over the past few years, several positions remain highly competitive. If the tournament were to begin immediately and all players were fit, the starting XI would still face questions in key areas such as center back, central midfield, and right wing. Furthermore, established stars like Sergino Dest and Tyler Adams, who missed the March camp due to injury, hold positions (right back and defensive midfield, respectively) that remain subject to depth concerns. Pochettino now faces a series of difficult decisions regarding the final composition of his squad.

Player Ratings: USMNT vs. Portugal

Below is an assessment of individual contributions during the match against the Portuguese side:

  • Matt Freese (6.5): Handled the assignment well; he could do little to prevent the goals, which were clinical finishes to the far post. He also registered a sharp save against Bruno Fernandes in the first half.
  • Alex Freeman (5.5): Struggled after losing possession in an advanced position, which triggered a counter-attack resulting in the opening goal. He struggled to impact the final third.
  • Chris Richards (6): Put in a solid effort attempting to track back against Bruno Fernandes, though the team's transition defense was insufficient to cover the trailing runners.
  • Auston Trusty (6.5): Despite being caught out of position on the first goal due to an overload, he showed the grit required in high-pressure situations.
  • Antonee Robinson (6): Still regaining match fitness following knee and ankle issues. There is confidence he will reach his peak before the summer, which is vital for the team’s tactical structure.
  • Aidan Morris (7): Played with composure in the middle of the park, consistently looking to distribute the ball forward. He could prove to be a valuable substitute option.
  • Weston McKennie (5): A quiet performance characterized by limited passing and minimal defensive impact. A more significant presence will be required moving forward.
  • Sebastian Berhalter (6): Displayed flashes of his potential, though his high-risk style of play creates vulnerabilities during periods where the team lacks possession.
  • Timothy Weah (5.5): Meant to stretch the defense through speed, he was largely neutralized by a lack of service from the midfield, forcing him to spend most of the match chasing the ball.
  • Malik Tillman (6): While the team experiments with his position, he brings a creative, forward-thinking mentality that is currently in short supply.
  • Christian Pulisic (5.5): Proved ineffective when utilized as a center forward. Despite a lack of goals in 2026, his track record for the national team provides some reassurance that he can perform when it matters most.