sports
USA World Cup 2026 team guide
Optimism is not high for Mauricio Pochettino’s co-hosts, who are under pressure to justify fans’ considerable outlay on tickets
TL;DR
- Mauricio Pochettino's USA team aims for possession and a mid-block defense, with tactical variations between a back three and four.
- Key players include Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun, and Chris Richards.
- The team faces pressure to perform and justify high ticket prices for the World Cup.
- Past World Cup performances have resulted in last-16 exits, with the last quarter-final appearance in 2002.
- A successful tournament could propel the USA to become a top-10 team globally.