CBS Sports predicts USMNT tactical shift for World Cup opener against Paraguay
Malik Tillman and Mark McKenzie are tipped for starting roles as Mauricio Pochettino finalises his squad for the June 12 clash.
CBS Sports has published a prediction for the United States Men's National Team’s starting lineup for their World Cup opener against Paraguay on June 12. The analysis suggests a tactical evolution under head coach Mauricio Pochettino, with the team likely to shift from a 3-4-2-1 to a 4-2-3-1 formation. This structural change is largely driven by Sergino Dest operating as a winger rather than a traditional wingback, a move designed to push the pace of the attack ahead of natural right-back Alex Freeman.
The predicted starting eleven includes Matt Freese in goal, supported by a defensive line of Alex Freeman, Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, and Antonee Robinson. Mark McKenzie is expected to begin in defence, replacing the injured Chris Richards. Although Richards has returned to group training after recovering from an ankle injury sustained on May 17, the prediction suggests he may be eased back into action rather than starting the opening game.
In midfield, Malik Tillman is tipped to start alongside Tyler Adams. During the recent international window, Tillman created five chances, the most on the team, despite Adams covering significant ground. The analysis notes that while the sample size is small, Tillman’s versatility and usage during the break point toward him starting against a Paraguay side expected to bunker and counter.
The attacking line features Weston McKennie as a number 10, with Sergino Dest, Christian Pulisic, and Folarin Balogun leading the charge. The prediction highlights that Dest’s positioning has added dynamism to the setup, with his areas of activity concentrated in the final third. This configuration aims to leverage the team’s attacking strength, a key theme observed during recent friendlies where the US defeated Senegal and lost to Germany.
Substitute options remain strong, with Haji Wright and Ricardo Pepi viewed as change-of-pace options off the bench. The depth of the squad is further evidenced by Tim Weah, a starter at the 2022 World Cup, not being expected to start against Paraguay. This shift indicates increased squad depth and competition for places, allowing Pochettino to rotate his side effectively during the tournament.
