USMNT Faces Unique Challenge in Final Group Stage Game

IRVINE, Calif. — The U.S. men’s national soccer team heads into its last group stage match with an unusual advantage: this game isn’t crucial. They’ve already secured their spot in the next round with two strong wins.

Still, there’s a desire to keep the winning streak alive. A victory over Turkey would certainly mean a lot, especially since the U.S. hasn’t defeated a European team since a friendly against Bosnia in 2021. But for Turkey, the situation is quite different; they’ve struggled to find the net in their last two matches, despite launching over 60 shots.

Like Turkey, the U.S. team isn’t under pressure either, having a match lined up in Santa Clara on July 1, likely against Bosnia in the knockout round.

This situation suggests that coach Mauricio Pochettino might make significant changes to the lineup, particularly since four players are on yellow cards and there’s uncertainty about Christian Pulisic’s fitness due to a calf injury.

One yellow card will be wiped clean after the group stage, but if any player receives another, they will miss the knockout game. This risk means there’s little incentive to push crucial players like Tyler Adams, Chris Richards, Anthony Robinson, and Folarin Balogun into unnecessary danger during what’s practically a friendly.

Adams reflected on the pressure, saying, “You’re asking the wrong person. I want to play in every game.” He managed to avoid further yellow cards against Australia, but given his defensive responsibilities, he’s always walking that line. “I try to keep my aggression,” Adams remarked, acknowledging that while he needs to temper himself, it’s also a part of what makes him effective on the field.

The question surrounding Pulisic’s injury looms large. There was some initial hope he could play, but that optimism is tempered by previous setbacks. The time between games could warrant getting him some minutes, but not at the risk of aggravating an injury.

Pochettino might not overhaul the entire starting squad at once. Nonetheless, it could be a chance for players like Cristian Roldan, Tim Weah, Alex Zendejas, and Mark McKenzie to step in. Meanwhile, options like Gio Reyna and Sebastian Berhalter, who already contributed off the bench, could also see more time on the field.

“It’s too early to discuss our choices against Turkey,” Pochettino stated after the last game. He emphasized that with 28 players in training, all are ready to contribute, hinting at the depth available for whatever decisions he makes.