As the United States men’s national soccer team prepares for the upcoming World Cup, recent developments offer insights into coach Mauricio Pochettino’s roster decisions and tactical approach. The team secured a 3-2 victory over Senegal on Sunday in Charlotte, North Carolina, demonstrating positive signs ahead of their opening match against Paraguay on June 12 in Inglewood, California.

Pochettino’s selection raised several questions upon announcement last week, including the form of winger Christian Pulisic, the inclusion of veteran center back Tim Ream, and circulating reports of the coach’s potential departure. Against Senegal, Pulisic appeared to regain his scoring touch by both scoring and assisting, while Ream, aged 38, organized the defense effectively during the first half before a series of substitutions disrupted the flow. These performances suggest that at least some of Pochettino’s assertions have been validated on the field.

The goalkeeper situation remains somewhat unsettled. Matt Turner, who started as the first-choice keeper in the previous World Cup and posted two shutouts, entered Sunday’s match for one half, demonstrating his experience with key saves, including stopping Senegal’s Sadio Mane. Despite being assigned the number one jersey, Turner appears to face competition from Matt Freese, a former Harvard standout, who is favored to start in the group stage opener.

Defensively, the roster is notably heavy with backline options, including 10 defenders among the 23 field players. Pochettino has emphasized Ream’s leadership and positional discipline, elements he feels are lacking in other center backs. The U.S. employed a 3-4-3 formation against Senegal, with Ream flanked by Alex Freeman and Mark McKenzie. For the World Cup, Chris Richards and Miles Robinson are expected to take those flanking roles, with Joe Scally and Freeman providing depth. At fullback, Sergiño Dest on the right and Antonee Robinson on the left are seen as key contributors, with Dest scoring during the recent match.

The midfield shows both experience and youthful potential. Sebastian Berhalter, who played over a half against Senegal, may join Tyler Adams in holding roles, though his limited international experience introduces some uncertainty. Berhalter’s inclusion may allow Weston McKennie, who has been consistent for Juventus in Serie A, greater freedom in an advanced position. Supporting midfielders include Brenden Aaronson, Gio Reyna, Malik Tillman, and Alejandro Zendejas, offering various attacking and creative options.

At the forward line, Folarin Balogun is poised to lead the attack after a prolific season with AS Monaco, netting 19 goals. Ricardo Pepi, who also scored 19 times for PSV Eindhoven, and Haji Wright, known for his 2022 World Cup Round of 16 goal against the Netherlands, form the depth behind Balogun.

Pochettino has faced criticism for his communication approach with players excluded from the squad, notably for opting to email rather than call. Some midfielders such as Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake) and Tanner Tessmann (Lyon) were notably left off the roster, raising questions about selection criteria. Pochettino defended his choices by emphasizing a desire to prioritize athleticism alongside skill and indicated that while Luna and Tessmann are talented club prospects, their styles may not align with the current team’s tactical needs.

The U.S. is set to face Germany in their final warm-up in Chicago on Saturday, with hopes that the starting lineup will be largely settled before the World Cup begins. As the tournament approaches, Pochettino’s roster decisions and the team’s recent performances will be closely examined as the United States seeks to advance on soccer’s biggest stage.