Team USA is one of three host nations for the 2026 World Cup and is set to compete in Group D alongside Paraguay, Turkiye, and Australia.
Mauricio Pochettino takes charge of his first World Cup with high expectations surrounding the USMNT. Christian Pulisic and company open against Paraguay on June 12, but form has been a concern, with the US winning just one of its last four pre-tournament friendlies.
Below, we’ll break down Team USA’s projected starting lineup, best players, group outlook, strengths and weaknesses, and top World Cup picks on PrizePicks.
Over on PrizePicks Team Picks, you can make a prediction on how Team USA will perform in the 2026 World Cup, including tournament winner, group winner, and knockout-stage advancement markets.
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Team USA Projected Starting Lineup for World Cup 2026
Team USA enters the 2026 World Cup with one of its most talented rosters on paper. While the first-choice XI hasn't had much time together, there's no shortage of upside and quality throughout the young squad.
The USMNT’s defensive struggles remain the biggest point of concern heading into the tournament. Rising star center back Chris Richards is expected to start and will be one of Pochettino's most important defenders if fit.
Richards missed both of the USA's May friendlies with a lingering ankle injury.
Projected Team USA Formation: 4-3-3
- Goalkeeper: Matthew Freese
- Defense: Sergino Dest, Chris Richards, Auston Trusty, Antonee Robinson
- Midfield: Sebastian Berhalter, Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie
- Forwards: Tim Weah, Folarin Balogun, Christian Pulisic
The Team USA World Cup XI could change based on form, injuries, and matchups, but the USMNT’s core should be built around the free-flowing front three of Pulisic, Folarin Balogun, and Tim Weah.
Pochettino has emphasized an aggressive approach, with his fullbacks pushing high up the pitch and playing an integral role in the team's attack.
Both Sergino Dest and Antonee Robinson scored for the US in its last two friendlies.
How Team USA Qualified for World Cup 2026
Team USA qualified automatically as one of three host nations. With the tournament being held across Canada, Mexico, and the US, none of the three hosts were required to participate in CONCACAF qualifiers.
Best Player for Team USA: Weston McKennie
Results haven't always reflected it, but the USMNT's so-called golden generation has genuine talent throughout the squad. One player who has remained consistent through the team's struggles is Weston McKennie.
McKennie is heading to his second World Cup after four strong seasons at Juventus in Serie A. The midfielder has consistently delivered in big moments for club and country and was arguably the USA's best overall player at the last tournament.
His ability to beat a press and quickly switch the field of play when playing as a CM will be crucial to the USMNT's attacking effectiveness.
The 27-year-old is also one of the squad's most reliable goal scorers. He scored a career-high 9 goals for Juventus last season and will look to add to his 12 international goals this summer.
What to Expect From Team USA at the World Cup
FIFA World Ranking: #16
Team USA Best World Cup Result: Third Place in 1930
The USMNT has yet to settle on a clear structure or identity in Pochettino's year and a half in charge. The Argentine has rarely had his full squad available since taking over in late 2024.
Based on their pre-tournament friendlies, the US looks set to press aggressively from the first whistle. Pochettino’s two fullbacks push high as the team looks to win the ball back in dangerous areas.
While the approach produced goals against Senegal and bright moments against Germany, leaving the defense exposed is a risk that has cost them in both matches.
Defense remains the biggest concern for the Americans as the World Cup quickly approaches. The USMNT has conceded 2+ goals in four consecutive matches and hasn't kept a clean sheet since September of last year.
Team USA Picks for 2026 World Cup
Here are some Team USA picks on PrizePicks for the 2026 World Cup. Check out more of our soccer picks and predictions on Playbook.
The World Cup payouts listed below indicate real-money earnings if a prediction is correct; for example, a 2x on a $100 entry pays out $200 on PrizePicks Team Picks. Payouts are live as of writing but are subject to change.
Team USA to Win 2026 World Cup
Yes 33.33x | No N/A
The US is a long shot to win its first-ever World Cup title. They will aim to go further than their Round of 16 exit in 2022, though winning the tournament outright remains highly unlikely.
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Team USA to Win World Cup Group D
Yes 2.32x | No 1.56x
The USMNT enters as the favorite to top Group D, per PrizePicks Team Picks. The group winner will likely be decided on matchday three when the US faces Turkiye on June 25.
According to Group D predictions, the US and Turkiye are considered the two most likely sides to battle for the group's top spot.
Paraguay and Australia are significant underdogs to win the group, though both are capable of making their matches competitive.
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Team USA to Advance to World Cup Knockout Stage
Yes 1.16x | No 4.76x
The USMNT is a heavy favorite to reach the knockout stage for the fourth consecutive tournament.
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Make Team USA World Cup Picks on PrizePicks
While lifting the trophy is a tall task, watching this USMNT roster compete on home soil should make for an exciting tournament based on what we've seen in the buildup.
The US may turn some heads at the 2026 World Cup as they push for their first international trophy in two years.
You can make your Team USA and 2026 World Cup picks on PrizePicks and PrizePicks Team Picks to earn real money on World Cup games. Just pick players, predict More or Less on their projected stats like shots or goals, and cash in if you’re correct.
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Stick around with the Playbook for continued World Cup predictions, picks, and analysis through the end of the tournament.
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