USMNT Depth Chart Review After Strong Fall Window

Mauricio Pochettino described having a wealth of talented players as a “fantastic” challenge. Since the World Cup, the U.S. men’s national team has shown impressive form, with Pochettino testing many stars but only a select few establishing themselves in the lineup.

Though the 2030 World Cup is still four years away, every international break offers a chance to sharpen the squad into a unit capable of going deep in the tournament. From veterans to promising youngsters, Pochettino has many options—so where do they rank?

Our detailed look covers all players who have been called up since October 2025, excluding retired former captain Tim Ream. The rankings weigh current performance and future potential, especially for emerging talents like Brooklyn Raines, Neil Pierre, and Mathis Albert.

Goalkeepers

• Brian Schwake (Nashville SC)
• Diego Kochen (Lyngby)
• Chris Brady (Chicago Fire)
• Matt Freese (NYCFC)
• Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew)
• Roman Celentano (FC Cincinnati)
• Jonathan Klinsmann (Cesena)
• Matt Turner (New England Revolution)

At the 2026 World Cup, Matt Freese was the starting goalkeeper, but a poor performance against Belgium marked the end of his steady presence. Though he played 45 minutes against Peru this fall, three other goalkeepers have surpassed him on the depth chart.

Both Chris Brady and Diego Kochen featured recently, with Kochen making a stronger impression by playing a full clean sheet match in the USMNT’s 3–0 victory over Mexico. At just 20, Kochen became the youngest goalkeeper ever to start for the USMNT.

Brian Schwake emerged as the top contender for Pochettino’s No. 1 spot. Having delivered an excellent season for Nashville SC, the Supporters’ Shield frontrunners, Schwake was the only keeper to start twice for the national team this fall. While he still needs to prove he can consistently shut down elite attacks internationally, he currently leads the race.

Fullbacks

• Alex Freeman (Villarreal)
• Antonee Robinson (Fulham)
• Peyton Miller (New England Revolution)
• Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach)
• Francis Westfield (Philadelphia Union)
• John Tollkin (Holstein Kiel)

Fullback is no longer a concern for the USMNT. Veteran Antonee Robinson firmly holds the left side, while breakout star Alex Freeman dominates the right flank. Freeman’s strong performances for Orlando City earned him a call-up last year, and despite doubts, he excelled at the World Cup and kept his form during recent friendlies after moving to Villarreal.

Joe Scally faces the difficult task of unseating Freeman, similar to Peyton Miller's challenge trying to take minutes from Robinson. Still, at 18, Miller is attracting Premier League attention after his first senior camp, signaling a bright future.

Center Backs

• Chris Richards (Crystal Palace)
• Auston Trusty (Celtic)
• Mark McKenzie (Toulouse)
• George Campbell (West Bromwich Albion)
• Neil Pierre (Philadelphia Union)
• Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati)
• Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic)

Chris Richards is the cornerstone of the USMNT defense. The Crystal Palace player leads both on and off the pitch and is considered irreplaceable in the starting eleven.

The absence of Tim Ream leaves a significant gap next to him. Auston Trusty brings valuable experience from Europe and the national team, making him the most dependable choice. Trusty's versatility also allows him to cover left back.

Neil Pierre, an 18-year-old called up for the first time this fall, is widely seen as the long-term replacement for Ream. His aerial ability and scoring threat stand out, but he must develop physically to surpass Trusty, Mark McKenzie, or George Campbell.

Defensive and Central Midfielders

• Tyler Adams (Bournemouth)
• Weston McKennie (Juventus)
• Sebastian Berhalter (Middlesbrough)
• Johnny Cardoso (Atlético Madrid)
• Brooklyn Raines (New England Revolution)
• Yunus Musah (AC Milan)
• Tanner Tessmann (Lyon)
• Aidan Morris (Middlesbrough)
• Timothy Tillman (LAFC)
• James Sands (NYCFC)
• Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders)

Pochettino tried various formations in recent friendlies, but consistently used two defensive midfielders. Tyler Adams is a guaranteed starter and the new captain, but his partner spot remains open.

Weston McKennie has the experience and pedigree but missed the recent camp, allowing others to rise. Sebastian Berhalter made a strong case for a starting role with continued growth since his breakout in the 2025 Gold Cup.

Brooklyn Raines started half of the USMNT’s wins in September-October, performing beyond his 21 years. Defensively, he surpasses Yunus Musah and shows better ball vision than Tanner Tessmann. Johnny Cardoso might be the most well-rounded but needs to regain fitness after missing the 2026 World Cup due to injury.

Attacking Midfielders

• Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen)
• Gio Reyna (Strasbourg)
• Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United)
• Adri Mehmeti (Red Bull New York)
• Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake)

Malik Tillman settled any debate about the top USMNT No. 10 with his stellar World Cup performance on home soil. He scored two brilliant free kicks in the knockout rounds and was among the tournament’s standout players.

Gio Reyna, 23, has revived his form under Pochettino and started all four games this fall, adding creativity and threat to the attack.

Brenden Aaronson shines for Leeds United but struggles to replicate that impact with the national team, partly due to limited opportunities. Meanwhile, 17-year-old Adri Mehmeti recently joined the squad and could further reduce Aaronson’s chances.

Wingers

• Cavan Sullivan (Philadelphia Union)
• Christian Pulisic (AC Milan)
• Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven)
• Mathis Albert (Borussia Dortmund)
• Max Arfsten (Middlesbrough)
• Tim Weah (Marseille)
• Cole Campbell (SV Elversberg)
• Zavier Gozo (Crystal Palace)
• Alex Zendejas (Club América)

A new generation is emerging with Cavan Sullivan leading the way. The 17-year-old set records as the youngest goalscorer in USMNT history by his third appearance and is far from finished developing.

Sullivan’s rise raises questions about Christian Pulisic’s role on the left wing. Pulisic’s influence has dipped to a career low, while Sullivan also challenges Sergiño Dest’s spot on the right if Pochettino wants both on the field together.

Young talents like Mathis Albert, Cole Campbell, and Zavier Gozo provide depth but remain fringe options for now. Tim Weah lingers between generations, never quite regaining form after a red card at the 2024 Copa América.

Strikers

• Folarin Balogun (Monaco)
• Julian Hall (Red Bull New York)
• Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven)
• Patrick Agyemang (Derby County)
• Justin Ellis (Orlando City)
• Haji Wright (Coventry City)
• Damion Downs (St. Louis City)

Despite controversy at the World Cup and a failed transfer to Everton, Folarin Balogun remains Pochettino’s top striker. His skill in front of goal was undeniable this summer.

In Balogun’s absence this window, 18-year-old Julian Hall stepped up, scoring three goals in four games and proving he belongs at this level for the foreseeable future.

Ricardo Pepi had to leave camp injured but remains a solid option, though perhaps no longer the clear second choice.

Patrick Agyemang is often on Pochettino’s radar, alongside Justin Ellis, who started the season with Orlando City’s B team but now has two international goals to his name at age 19.