USMNT Depth Chart: Who’s Rising and Who’s Falling After a Strong Fall Window

Goalkeepers

• Brian Schwake (Nashville SC)
• Diego Kochen (Lyngby)
• Chris Brady (Chicago Fire)
• Matt Freese (NYCFC)
• Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew)
• Roman Celentano (FC Cincinnati)
• Jonathan Klinsmann (Cesena)
• Matt Turner (New England Revolution)

At the 2026 World Cup, Matt Freese started as the USMNT goalkeeper but struggled, especially in a tough game against Belgium. That poor performance cost him his spot, even though he played 45 minutes against Peru later in the fall. Meanwhile, Diego Kochen and Chris Brady got chances to prove themselves; Kochen impressed by keeping a clean sheet in a 3–0 win over Mexico and became the youngest USMNT goalkeeper to start a match at 20 years old.

Despite the competition, Brian Schwake has emerged as the leading candidate for Pochettino's number one keeper. Schwake enjoyed an excellent season with Nashville SC, and was the only goalkeeper to start twice for the USMNT this fall. While he still has room to grow on the international stage, he's currently ahead in the race.

Fullbacks

• Alex Freeman (Villarreal)
• Antonee Robinson (Fulham)
• Peyton Miller (New England Revolution)
• Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach)
• Francis Westfield (Philadelphia Union)
• John Tollkin (Holstein Kiel)

Fullback is no longer a weak spot for the USMNT. Antonee Robinson reliably holds down the left side, while breakout star Alex Freeman dominates the right. Freeman, who moved from Orlando City to Villarreal, showed at the World Cup and through fall friendlies that he belongs among the best.

Players like Joe Scally and Peyton Miller are fighting to unseat them. Scally has the tough task of challenging Freeman, while Miller looks to gain more minutes away from Robinson. At just 18, Miller is already drawing Premier League attention after his senior camp debut.

Center Backs

• Chris Richards (Crystal Palace)
• Auston Trusty (Celtic)
• Mark McKenzie (Toulouse)
• George Campbell (West Bromwich Albion)
• Neil Pierre (Philadelphia Union)
• Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati)
• Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic)

Chris Richards leads the USMNT defense as an essential figure on and off the field. Though there are many center backs available, they mostly compete for limited spots. The team misses former captain Tim Ream, and Auston Trusty fills the gap with his European experience and versatility to cover left back if needed.

Watch out for 18-year-old Neil Pierre, called up for the first time this fall. He’s known for aerial strength and scoring ability, though he needs to develop physically before overtaking players like Trusty, Mark McKenzie, or George Campbell.

Defensive/Central Midfielders

• Tyler Adams (Bournemouth)
• Weston McKennie (Juventus)
• Sebastian Berhalter (Middlesbrough)
• Johnny Cardoso (Atlético Madrid)
• Brooklyn Raines (New England Revolution)
• Yunus Musah (AC Milan)
• Tanner Tessmann (Lyon)
• Aidan Morris (Middlesbrough)
• Timothy Tillman (LAFC)
• James Sands (NYCFC)
• Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders)

In recent friendlies, Pochettino consistently used two defensive midfielders. Tyler Adams, now the USMNT captain, is a guaranteed starter. His partner spot remains open. Although Weston McKennie has experience and pedigree, his absence gave others a chance to shine.

Sebastian Berhalter made a strong case to start regularly, building on his rise since the 2025 Gold Cup. Youngsters like Brooklyn Raines also impressed by starting two games in the fall and showing mature defensive skills better than Yunus Musah and superior vision compared to Tanner Tessmann. Johnny Cardoso offers a well-rounded option but must regain fitness after missing the 2026 World Cup due to injury.

Attacking Midfielders

• Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen)
• Gio Reyna (Strasbourg)
• Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United)
• Adri Mehmeti (Red Bull New York)
• Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake)

Malik Tillman settled the debate about the USMNT’s top No. 10 this summer by scoring two stunning free kicks during the knockout rounds and standing out as one of the few players without blemish. Meanwhile, Gio Reyna experienced a revival under Pochettino and started all four games in the fall due to his creativity.

Brenden Aaronson excels at Leeds United but struggles to translate that form to the national team, partly because of limited opportunities. Meanwhile, 17-year-old Adri Mehmeti recently joined the squad and could push Aaronson’s minutes even lower.

Wingers

• Cavan Sullivan (Philadelphia Union)
• Christian Pulisic (AC Milan)
• Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven)
• Mathis Albert (Borussia Dortmund)
• Max Arfsten (Middlesbrough)
• Tim Weah (Marseille)
• Cole Campbell (SV Elversberg)
• Zavier Gozo (Crystal Palace)
• Alex Zendejas (Club América)

The USMNT's winger position is shifting, with 17-year-old Cavan Sullivan emerging as a bright star. He became the youngest goalscorer in USMNT history in just his third appearance and looks far from finished developing.

Christian Pulisic's future on the left wing is uncertain as his value dips. Sullivan threatens Sergiño Dest on the right, suggesting Pochettino might deploy both young attackers simultaneously someday. Talented youngsters like Mathis Albert, Cole Campbell, and Zavier Gozo offer depth for now.

Tim Weah occupies an awkward spot between generations, still recovering from a red card received at the 2024 Copa América.

Strikers

• Folarin Balogun (Monaco)
• Julian Hall (Red Bull New York)
• Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven)
• Patrick Agyemang (Derby County)
• Justin Ellis (Orlando City)
• Haji Wright (Coventry City)
• Damion Downs (St. Louis City)

Folarin Balogun remains the top striker despite a controversial World Cup exit and a failed Everton transfer. His skill in front of goal proved unmatched this summer. In his absence this window, 18-year-old Julian Hall impressed with three goals in four matches, showing he belongs at the international level.

Ricardo Pepi missed camp due to injury but is still a solid option, though no longer seen as the second-best striker. Patrick Agyemang consistently appears in Pochettino’s thoughts, while young Justin Ellis moved quickly from Orlando City's B team to scoring twice for the USMNT.