USMNT squad rotation planned for Turkey clash as Pulisic returns to training
With Group D victory secured, the United States Men’s National Team faces a strategic dilemma in Irvine, balancing the need to rest key players against the risk of injury before the knockout stages.
The United States Men’s National Team has resumed training in Irvine, California, following their confirmation as Group D winners at the 2026 World Cup. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino is expected to implement significant squad rotation for the final group stage fixture against Turkey on Thursday at SoFi Stadium. The primary objective is to manage yellow card suspensions, prevent injuries to starters, and maintain sharpness among reserves ahead of the Round of 32.
Star forward Christian Pulisic returned to preliminary team exercises on Monday, marking his first involvement with the full squad since sustaining a calf injury during the opening match against Paraguay. The session, which included running drills, was largely closed to reporters. Pulisic has not been available for media questions since the Paraguay match, and Pochettino is scheduled to address the press again on Wednesday afternoon.
Pochettino faces a complex selection puzzle due to disciplinary issues. Centre-back Chris Richards, left wing-back Antonee Robinson, defensive midfielder Tyler Adams, and striker Folarin Balogun have all received yellow cards. A further booking would disqualify them from the Round of 32, providing a strong incentive to rest them. Additionally, midfielder Cristian Roldan, a potential replacement for Adams, missed Monday’s training with an unspecified muscle strain and is listed as day-to-day.
The rotation also serves to integrate reserves who have seen limited action. Candidates to feature include midfielders Sebastian Berhalter and Gio Reyna, as well as defenders Auston Trusty and Mark McKenzie. Wingers Tim Weah and Alex Zendejas, who have had minimal playing time in the first two matches, are also expected to feature. Striker Folarin Balogun emphasised the importance of maintaining momentum, stating that the team must not let their foot off the pedal despite having secured advancement.
Regardless of the outcome against Turkey, the USMNT will advance to the Round of 32 on July 1 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Their opponent will be a third-placed team from one of five groups, with potential candidates including Bosnia, Qatar, Ecuador, and Senegal. The Americans are the first team in the modern era to win their group after just two matches, having scored six goals in that span.
