The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is reaching a fever pitch. With the opening match against Paraguay set for June 12 in Los Angeles, the debate over Mauricio Pochettino’s “Best XI” is dominating the headlines. FOX Sports analyst Stu Holden has officially weighed in, offering a bold starting lineup that prioritizes current form, tactical flexibility, and some surprising new faces in the U.S. roster.
As the tournament approaches, the stakes have never been higher for a squad looking to capitalize on home-soil advantage. From a shifting hierarchy in goal to a newly formed attacking “triangle,” here is how Holden envisions the USMNT starting XI taking the field this summer.
The Rise of Matt Freese and a New-Look Backline
Perhaps the most significant change in Holden’s projection starts at the back. For years, the goalkeeper position was a lock for veterans like Matt Turner, but a “changing of the guard” appears to be underway. Matt Freese has emerged as the clear favorite after a breakout year with NYCFC and a legendary performance during the 2025 Gold Cup, where he saved three penalties in a critical shootout.
A Surprising Back-Three Formation
Holden predicts Pochettino will opt for a three-man defensive unit, a setup that offers the “flexibility” the Argentine manager craves.
- Chris Richards: The Crystal Palace standout remains the anchor.
- Tim Ream: At 38, the veteran’s leadership and composure are deemed essential for the World Cup stage.
- Alex Freeman: The wildcard of the group. Freeman, the 21-year-old son of Packers legend Antonio Freeman, recently secured a high-profile $7 million transfer to Villarreal. His rapid ascent makes him a lock for Holden’s defensive trio.
“Don’t get lost in the semantics of the formation,” Holden noted, emphasizing that the look will shift from a back-three to a back-four depending on possession.
Midfield Dilemmas: The Adams Factor
The engine room remains the biggest “if” for the USMNT. The availability of captain Tyler Adams is still in question as he recovers from an MCL injury sustained with Bournemouth. Holden’s ideal pairing sees Adams alongside Lyon’s Tanner Tessmann, a choice that surprisingly leaves Weston McKennie out of the traditional defensive midfield role.
Why McKennie is Moving Up
If you’ve watched Weston McKennie at Juventus lately, you know he’s playing like a man possessed. With four goals in his last eight games, McKennie has been pushed further up the pitch in Holden’s XI to form an attacking triangle with Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun. This freedom allows McKennie to act as a late-arriving goal threat, a role that has seen his “stock rise” significantly in early 2026.
The Attack: Pulisic, Balogun, and the Striker Battle
Despite lingering “minor knee concerns” at AC Milan, Christian Pulisic is the undisputed heartbeat of this attack. Holden has him cutting inside from the left, creating space for Antonee “Jedi” Robinson to overlap as a wing-back.
In the center, Folarin Balogun remains the preferred No. 9, but the competition is heating up. Ricardo Pepi is currently recovering from a broken arm but is expected to be fit by March. Meanwhile, English Championship stars Haji Wright and Patrick Agyemang are on fire, providing Pochettino with the most depth at striker the U.S. has seen in decades.
For more on the striker battle, check out our recent USMNT Stock Watch for the latest on Pepi and Wright.
What This Means for the 2026 Campaign
Holden’s lineup suggests a team that is no longer afraid to bench big names in favor of tactical fits and hot hands.
- Tactical Evolution: The move to a back-three allows Tim Weah and Robinson to act as true offensive threats.
- Depth is Key: The fact that players like McKennie and Dest can be moved or rotated shows the growth of the U.S. player pool.
- Youth Movement: The inclusion of Freeman and Tessmann proves that the “Pochettino era” is about rewarding current club performance over past reputation.
Next Steps: The March Window
The next few weeks will be pivotal. Supporters should keep a close eye on:
- Tyler Adams’ Recovery: Will he be match-fit for the March friendlies against Portugal and Belgium?
- Alex Freeman’s La Liga Debut: How quickly the young defender acclimates to Villarreal will dictate his starting chances.
- Pulisic’s Fitness: Ensuring “Captain America” is 100% for June is the federation’s top priority.
What do you think of Stu Holden’s Starting XI? Would you start Tanner Tessmann over a veteran option? Is Matt Freese officially the #1? Let us know in the comments below or share your own World Cup lineup on social media!
Author: Quique Lopez
Quique Lopez doesn’t just cover soccer—he deconstructs it with the precision of a veteran and the wit of a storyteller. A former player who sees the pitch as both a tactical chessboard and a cultural stage, Quique balances sharp critiques with a genuine love for the game’s soul. He’s as quick to call out the ego of a superstar as he is to find the hidden beauty in a local derby.