Advertisement
Pochettino to rotate squad as USA look to complete World Cup group stage on high
25th June, 2026 12:16 PM
The United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed that several first-team players will be left out of Thursday’s, June 25, 2026, final Group D encounter against Türkiye to avoid the risk of suspension ahead of the knockout rounds.
Speaking during a media briefing on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, Pochettino revealed that midfielder Tyler Adams, striker Folarin Balogun, and defenders Chris Richards and Antonee Robinson will not feature in the match. All four players have already received one yellow card in the tournament, and another booking would rule them out of the Round of 32.
The Argentine tactician also provided an update on Christian Pulisic, indicating that the American captain is recovering from the calf problem he picked up during the victory over Paraguay and could see some minutes against Türkiye.
Although changes will be made to the lineup, Pochettino stressed that his side remains fully focused on securing another victory. The United States has already guaranteed first place in Group D after defeating Paraguay 4-1 and Australia 2-0 in its opening two fixtures. Türkiye, meanwhile, has already been knocked out following consecutive defeats.
Goal attained
“We have achieved what we wanted first of all by qualifying for the next stage but now it is important to compete in the best way because we want to win tomorrow. We have qualified – but we want to win. We want to go to the next stage with three victories,” Pochettino noted.
The United States booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout rounds after defeating Australia on Matchday 9, Friday, June 19, 2026. The absence of a marquee star did little to slow down Mauricio Pochettino’s side, who secured a second consecutive victory against Australia to guarantee passage into the Round of 32.
The breakthrough came when Folarin Balogun’s pressure forced defender Cameron Burgess to turn the ball into his own net. The hosts then doubled their advantage through full-back Alex Freeman. After Sergino Dest’s effort deflected high into the air, Freeman reacted quickest to head home and put the match beyond Australia’s reach.
The result leaves Australia needing a positive outcome against Paraguay to keep their qualification hopes alive.
The co-hosts will now aim to maintain their flawless record in the group stage before shifting attention to the knockout phase of the tournament.
