- USA predicted lineup: Pochettino Set to Rotate After Securing Top Spot.
- The match kicks off on Friday , June 26 from 5:00AM EAT at SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, California)
- Following back-to-back victories, another win would see United States Men’s National Team make it 3 out 3 wins for the first time in group stages.
The United States Men’s National Team head into their final Group D fixture against Türkiye with qualification already secured and top spot in the group guaranteed.
Back-to-back victories over Paraguay and Australia have ensured Mauricio Pochettino’s side will finish as group winners regardless of the outcome at SoFi Stadium.
With a place in the Round of 32 already booked, the Argentine tactician is expected to use the opportunity to rotate his squad, manage workloads and protect key players ahead of the knockout rounds.
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Several regular starters are likely to be rested, particularly those carrying fitness concerns or sitting one yellow card away from suspension. As a result, Thursday’s encounter could provide valuable minutes for fringe players eager to impress before the business end of the tournament.
Matt Freese is expected to continue between the posts. The goalkeeper has enjoyed a relatively comfortable tournament so far but will be keen to maintain his sharpness and claim another clean sheet heading into the knockout phase.
Pochettino is likely to stick with his preferred three-man defence. Alex Freeman could retain his place after an impressive display against Australia that included a goal. His athleticism and composure on the ball have made him one of the breakout performers in the American squad.
Mark McKenzie is tipped to come into the heart of defence, replacing Chris Richards, who is one booking away from suspension. Auston Trusty could also earn a starting berth, allowing veteran defender Tim Ream a well-earned rest after featuring heavily in the opening two matches.
The wing-back positions remain crucial to the USMNT’s system. Sergiño Dest is expected to continue on the right flank, where his attacking intent and technical quality have been instrumental in stretching opposition defences. On the opposite side, Max Arfsten should deputize for Antonee Robinson, who could be preserved for the knockout rounds.
In midfield, Weston McKennie is likely to provide leadership and continuity in a heavily rotated lineup.
The Juventus midfielder brings energy, aggression and box-to-box presence, qualities that will be important against a technically gifted Turkish side.
Alongside him, Sebastian Berhalter is expected to start after making positive contributions from the bench in the opening fixtures.
Further forward, Gio Reyna should be handed a central attacking role after showcasing his quality with a superb goal against Paraguay. His creativity, vision and ability to unlock compact defences make him one of the most exciting players in the American setup.
Alex Zendejas could be rewarded with a start after spending the opening two matches on the bench. The winger offers flair, direct running and the ability to create overloads in wide areas.
Leading the line is expected to be Haji Wright. With Folarin Balogun likely to be rested, Wright has an excellent opportunity to stake his claim for a starting role in the knockout rounds.
The striker arrives with confidence after an outstanding club campaign and possesses the physicality and movement to trouble Türkiye’s backline.
Although the result may not impact the standings, Pochettino will still expect a professional performance as the Americans seek to maintain momentum heading into the knockout phase. Strong competition for places means every player selected will have plenty to prove.
USA predicted lineup vs Turkey
Matt Freese; Alex Freeman, Mark McKenzie, Auston Trusty; Sergiño Dest, Weston McKennie, Sebastian Berhalter, Max Arfsten; Alex Zendejas, Gio Reyna; Haji Wright.
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