After back-to-back high-profile friendlies — a 3–2 win over Senegal and a 2–1 loss to Germany — the USMNT heads into the 2026 World Cup on a confident note. Antonee Robinson’s electric form, Chris Richards’ optimistic fitness update and Tim Ream’s resurgence give manager Mauricio Pochettino options, while Alex Zendejas looks unlikely to influence the tournament.
USMNT momentum after challenging friendlies
The United States closed its final tune-ups with two games that mattered: a morale-boosting 3–2 victory over Senegal and a narrow 2–1 defeat to Germany. Those results offer a clearer picture of personnel, tactics and readiness ahead of Friday’s World Cup opener against Paraguay on home soil.
Why these friendlies mattered
Facing top-15 Senegal and world No. 10 Germany provided a realistic stress test. The U.S. could have been exposed; instead, it largely validated a front-footed identity under Mauricio Pochettino. The matches revealed who can carry the team’s momentum and who will likely be peripheral.
Stock up: players who boosted their World Cup case
Antonee Robinson — left wingback and crowd igniter
Robinson’s spectacular volley against Germany was more than flash — it was evidence of his recovery and form. The Fulham fullback offers dynamic overlapping runs, stamina and an attacking threat from deep. His acrobatic celebration underscored a player carrying confidence into a home tournament, and his return from a 2025 knee setback makes him a legitimate candidate to change tight games.
Chris Richards — fitness comeback gives defensive depth
Richards returned to full training without restrictions after an ankle issue, positioning himself to be available for the opener. His presence matters because he’s arguably the USMNT’s most technically assured center back when fit. Pochettino will likely manage his minutes — McKenzie has been the default during Richards’ layoff — but Richards’ availability widens tactical options and allows for greater rotation in a compressed schedule.
Tim Ream — veteran leadership and tactical recalibration
Ream’s performances were uneven against Senegal, but he rebounded against Germany with controlled, positionally disciplined defending. At 38, his value is less about pace and more about reading the game, organizing the backline and conserving energy. Pochettino’s decision to name him captain was strategic: Ream’s composure and experience can steady the group, provided he plays within his limitations.
Stock down: players facing uphill battles
Alex Zendejas — limited minutes, limited impact
Zendejas’ selection was a surprise and, so far, his tournament prospects look slim. He saw just 14 minutes against Senegal and none versus Germany, failing to stake a claim in attack. Given the depth on the wings and the coach’s probing of his preferred starters, Zendejas appears destined to be a bench option with minimal influence.
Tactical takeaways for Pochettino
Pochettino’s USMNT is shaping into a team that wants to press high and attack through fullbacks and midfield link-ups. Robinson’s form allows for more aggressive width, while Richards’ return gives security if Pochettino opts to rotate. Ream’s role as captain suggests a management style that values calm, experienced voices during the pressure of a home World Cup.
Rotation and risk management
Expect careful minutes management early in the tournament. Richards and Ream offer rotation choices at center back; Pochettino will balance the need for freshness with the importance of a settled backline. The friendlies indicate readiness to tweak personnel based on opponents rather than committing rigidly to a single XI.
What this means for the World Cup opener vs Paraguay
The U.S. goes into the Paraguay game with clearer defensive options and a lively left flank. That matters against a Paraguayan side that can be compact and physical. If Pochettino starts with the confidence gleaned from the Germany performance, the U.S. will aim to control possession, exploit wide areas and avoid defensive lapses that cost them against Senegal.
Outlook and potential scenarios
If Robinson maintains his attacking output and Richards returns to match fitness quickly, the U.S. can field a balanced backline that supports an ambitious midfield. If veterans like Ream continue to provide structure rather than overextend, Pochettino can mix youth and experience effectively. Conversely, sustained poor minutes for fringe players like Zendejas will confirm a narrow rotation focused on trusted starters.
Bottom line
These friendlies did what they needed to do: sharpen the U.S. roster and expose where confidence and caution must coexist.
Mauricio Pochettino backed to make World Cup history with USA ahead of opener
With the World Cup starting on home soil, marginal gains — a fully fit Richards, a red-hot Robinson, and consistent leadership from Ream — could be the difference between an early exit and a genuine run.
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