The United States men’s national team begins its World Cup campaign this Sunday, May 31, 2026, with a friendly match against Senegal in Charlotte, North Carolina. Mauricio Pochettino leads the squad into these final tune-ups as the team prepares for its group-stage opener against Paraguay on June 12.
Preparing for the World Cup Campaign
The U.S. men’s national team’s preparations for the upcoming World Cup have entered a crucial phase. With the squad list now confirmed, head coach Mauricio Pochettino is tasked with refining his collective unit following a mid-cycle appointment that left him with limited time to assess his player pool.
According to the Guardian, the team faces unique challenges as co-hosts. While an automatic spot in the 48-team field is guaranteed, the team was bypassed by the typical qualifying gauntlet that often serves to clarify a group’s core and test its ability to handle pressure. Pochettino faces the delicate task of balancing player assessment with the need to build momentum before the tournament begins.
The upcoming matches against Senegal on Sunday in Charlotte and Germany on June 6 in Chicago will not necessarily feature an A-team starting lineup for both fixtures. Pochettino has indicated he is hesitant to reveal his entire game plan prior to the June 12 opener against Paraguay. Regarding his starting XI, Pochettino noted that his perspective remains fluid based on training performances.
The Pulisic Scoring Drought
A primary focus for the coaching staff is the form of Christian Pulisic. The winger has been mired in a significant scoring drought, having played 1,164 consecutive minutes for club and country without finding the back of the net. This streak encompasses 38 shots for Milan since January 1 and six attempts during the USMNT’s March friendlies, totaling nearly 13 full matches of futility.
Pochettino has experimented with Pulisic’s positioning, including a move to center forward against Portugal that proved unsuccessful. Despite the slump, Pulisic remains a key figure for the team. He has historically been a mainstay at left wing, where he has scored the majority of his 32 international goals. More recently, during his time with Milan, he has operated as a right-sided attacking midfielder. Whether Pulisic starts both remaining friendlies may depend on his performance against Senegal; a breakthrough goal could lead the staff to prioritize his rest.
The Goalkeeping Competition
The competition for the starting goalkeeper position remains a focal point as the tournament nears. Matt Freese and Matt Turner are both in camp, and the selection for the upcoming matches will provide a clear indication of Pochettino’s current preference.
Freese has served as the incumbent, having started all but two of the USMNT’s matches since the start of last summer. Turner, who served as the primary goalkeeper during the last World Cup, is currently working to reclaim the starting role. Despite the outside perception that he is chasing the position, Turner remains focused on his preparation.
Freese has expressed a similar commitment to the team’s success, emphasizing that his confidence is rooted in years of hard work.
As the team approaches the tournament, the final rotation and tactical adjustments against Senegal and Germany will determine the squad’s readiness for the group stage.
