While some USMNT players know their World Cup status, others will be locked in chaotic competition for a roster spot
While every player on the U.S. men's national team heads into this summer with different individual circumstances, every player also shares a common goal: be a part of this team next summer, too.
Those are the stakes as the U.S. prepares for the Gold Cup, a tournament that will feel massive with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon. Positions are up for grabs and, particularly when assessing myriad absences during this camp, there are more than a few players who will be viewing the Gold Cup – and the two friendlies that precede it – as their potential big break.
Some will already know their status for the World Cup, barring an injury absence, while others will be aiming for a starting spot amid chaotic competition that could last until the first match kicks off next year. This is the chance to impress coach Mauricio Pochettino, either to vie for or lock down a World Cup spot.
Where do the players currently on the Gold Cup squad – not including absentees such as Christian Pulisic, Antonee Robinson, Gio Reyna, Ricardo Pepi, Folarin Balogun and Weston McKennie – stand? Who will feel good about their World Cup chances heading into this summer and who will have a point to prove? GOAL US breaks it all down.
Getty ImagesTier: See You At The World Cup
Tyler Adams: Arguably the USMNT's most important player and surely the team's most crucial midfielder, Adams is so vital to everything this team does. His health has been an issue since 2022 but, with that hopefully behind him, he's back to being a locked-in starter – which is good news for the USMNT.
Chris Richards: The FA Cup winner solidified his place with Crystal Palace this season and, in turn, cemented his place with the USMNT, too. There are plenty of questions about who will partner him, but Richards seems to have claimed one of the starting center-back spots going forward.
Sergino Dest: Now close to full fitness, the PSV star will look to reclaim his spot as a game-changing right-back. No one else in the player pool can provide what Dest can stylistically. It will be interesting to see how Pochettino uses him as Dest joins up with the U.S. for the first time since the coach's arrival.
Matt Turner: There's no doubt that Turner will be at the World Cup. Now, will he be starting? That's a different question. He is likely to remain the USMNT's No. 1, but so much will depend on his next club move. If he gets it right, it will greatly improve his starting chances again next summer.
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Johnny Cardoso: The Real Betis star has impressed in La Liga, and seems ready for a step up the club ladder. But he's still yet to show his level with the USMNT. This is the summer to make that happen.
Malik Tillman: He was quite possibly the best player in the Eredivisie this past season, which goes to show how much better Tillman has gotten since arriving at PSV. Like Cardoso, though, he's another one who could really benefit from a series of good performances in a USMNT shirt.
Mark McKenzie: One of several center-backs vying for a starting gig, McKenzie is seemingly ahead of fellow Euro-based defenders Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty, who weren't called into camp. Still, his spot isn't totally certain, largely due to the competition he faces at the position.
Diego Luna: The fastest riser over the past six months, Luna could very well be starting by the time the World Cup kicks off. If he matches his recent performances during the Gold Cup, it's tough to imagine the USMNT without him.
Zack Steffen: Of all the goalkeepers pushing Turner, Steffen seems to be the safest, due to his combination of experience and athleticism. No guarantees, though, particularly if he falters with the Colorado Rapids. But Steffen has reason to believe this cycle will be different after missing out in 2022.
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Tim Ream: The veteran gets his own category because he's in a category of one. The 37-year-old veteran is still capable, but his career clock keeps ticking. Can he hold it off for one more summer? He'll hope so, even if his presence next summer is just to provide a veteran presence to a less-experienced group.
GettyTier: Point To Prove
Brenden Aaronson: His Nations League exclusion will surely have lit a fire under him. He rebounded fairly well with Leeds, helping them earn promotion. Aaronson, though, still has to carve out a role under Pochettino, particularly as other attacking midfielders continue to blossom.
Miles Robinson: Center-back is crowded, but the FC Cincinnati star is clearly in the mix. With most of the other contenders playing in Europe, Robinson finds himself in a unique place in this competition. Throughout his career, he's been one of the best in MLS. If he stays at that level, he has a shot.
Walker Zimmerman: Added as a late replacement, the 2022 World Cup veteran is consistently reliable. He continues to thrive in MLS and, at 32, Zimmerman could have a few years left in the tank. He's been out of the picture recently, so this summer will be key for him to play his way into Pochettino's plans.
Luca de la Torre: Another World Cup veteran, De la Torre has generally been a reliable backup during his time with the USMNT – and he did score his first senior goal against Canada last September. A move to hometown San Diego FC has reinvigorated him, putting him in the mix after missing out on recent rosters.
Haji Wright: Given how crowded the forward pool is, Wright could certainly use a goal or two in the Gold Cup. His versatility helps his case, particularly with the lack of pure wingers in this player pool.
Brian White: Despite having less than a handful of caps, White is here due to his club experience. He's been one of the best in MLS and certainly looked good in January camp. But as the oldest member of a young attacking group, White is more of a veteran than a newcomer, despite his USMNT inexperience.