The USMNT landed one of their top targets as their next head coach in Mauricio Pochettino, and the former Tottenham manager could bring some major changes to the Stars and Stripes‘ lineup.

After a tumultuous tenure as the U.S. Men’s National Team head coach, Gregg Berhalter was relieved of his duties in July after his side crashed out of the Copa America 2024. The 51-year-old failed to get the best out of what is the most talented USMNT squad in quite some time, and ultimately, was replaced by Mauricio Pochettino ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The USMNT played rather uninspired soccer under Berhalter, and never strayed much from his preferred 4-3-3 or starting XI. Now, the USA will have a fresh start under Pochettino, and just might finally thrive in a 4-2-3-1.

Gio Reyna as the No. 10

Ideally, Gio Reyna will play as the No. 10 under Pochettino. The 21-year-old has been stuck in the central midfield or on the wing, and neither are truly where he belongs. He has the skill to be the USMNT’s ultimate playmaker, pulling the strings just behind Balogun to facilitate goalscoring opportunities with his dribbling ability and creativity.

Potential lineup: Turner; Dest, Ream, Richards, Robinson; McKennie, Adams; Weah, Reyna, Pulisic; Balogun

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Josh Sargent leading the line

Folarin Balogun emerged as Berhalter’s preferred striker at the Copa America, but Josh Sargent, now fully recovered the ankle injury that kept him on the sidelines for most of this summer, could excel under a new manager. The 24-year-old has already recorded two goals and one assist in three matches for Norwich City this season, and could see his return to the XI under Pochettino if he keeps up his goalscoring form.

Potential lineup: Turner; Dest, Ream, Richards, Robinson; McKennie, Adams; Weah, Reyna, Pulisic; Sargent

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Yunus Musah in the midfield

Yunus Musah could very well find himself in Pochettino’s XI, especially after Weston McKennie’s poor summer performances at the Copa America. The 21-year-old is playing significant minutes so far at AC Milan this season, and is undoubtedly more skillful on the ball than McKennie. If the Stars and Stripes‘ midfield still cannot find their rhythm come next year, expect Musah to get his opportunity ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Potential lineup: Turner; Dest, Ream, Richards, Robinson; Musah, Adams; Weah, Reyna, Pulisic; Balogun

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Miles Robinson alongside Chris Richards

Tim Ream is the defensive leader for the Stars and Stripes, but he is also 36 years old. Come time for the next World Cup, he will be 38. Miles Robinson, who just represented the United States at the 2024 Paris Olympics, is his natural replacement at the back, and brings more speed and versality to the position, as well as a familiarity with Chris Richards.

Potential lineup: Turner; Dest, M. Robinson, Richards, A. Robinson; McKennie, Adams; Weah, Reyna, Pulisic; Balogun