SEATTLE — The U.S. men’s national team has already clinched a place in the World Cup knockout stages and secured top spot in Group D after Paraguay’s 1-0 win over Türkiye, making the Americans’ final group match inconsequential for standings.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino said the side must preserve momentum from the first two matches. “We need to go for the next one and to be sure that we are going to arrive in good condition, like we arrive in the last two games,” he said at his postgame news conference Friday.
Four U.S. players — midfielder Tyler Adams, forward Folarin Balogun, defender Chris Richards and left back Antonee Robinson — already carry yellow cards. The report notes that another booking in the Türkiye match would result in suspension for the round of 32, because yellow cards are cleared only after the group stage.
That consideration points toward a significant rotation. The article suggests players such as Cristian Roldan, Mark McKenzie and Max Arfsten could get opportunities, with Ricardo Pepi kept as a lone striker. Adams emphasized the squad’s depth and adaptability, telling reporters, “The versatility of this team is insane, to be honest… there’s guys that aren’t playing right now that can play a major role as well.”
Christian Pulisic, who missed the Australia game with a left calf issue, could be considered for limited minutes to regain match sharpness. The report argues, however, that the risk of using him in a match without stakes outweighs the benefit and recommends resting him to preserve fitness for the knockout rounds.
Goalkeeper Matt Freese, who started the first two games, is identified as one of the few usual starters who might retain a spot to gain more World Cup experience; presumed backup Matt Turner has more career World Cup appearances. The story also lists midfielders Malik Tillman and Weston McKennie, winger Sergiño Dest, and defenders Tim Ream and Alex Freeman as candidates to be rested.
