Editor’s note: Keep up with the USA-Turkey game with our live blog here.
IRVINE, CA — For the U.S. men’s national team, this is truly uncharted territory.
Never before has the team entered its final World Cup group-stage game with the group already clinched, and nothing to play for in the standings.
But that is the situation that Mauricio Pochettino’s side is in heading into Thursday’s game against Turkey at SoFi Stadium. To make matters even stranger, Turkey has fallen flat with losses in its first two games, meaning it has already been eliminated.
That doesn’t mean this game is without meaning for the USMNT, which will aim to enter the knockout stage with momentum. It will be especially meaningful for some players who have seen little or no action so far. For them, this is a chance to prove they deserve more of a chance moving forward.
So how will Pochettino line the USMNT up against Turkey? The coach has opted for an almost full rotation. Here is how the USMNT starts:
Pochettino goes with Turner after Matt Freese started the first two games. Turner was the starter at the 2022 World Cup, but has been the backup this time around.
Chris Richards and Antonee Robinson are carrying yellow cards, with Pochettino saying before the game they won’t start. Pochettino has gone with an entirely new back four.
With Tyler Adams in yellow card jeopardy and Cristian Roldan hurt, the USMNT’s lack of center midfield depth becomes an issue here. Berhalter and Reyna come in, with McKennie the only holdover and wearing the captain armband.
With Folarin Balogun carrying a yellow card, Pepi gets a second straight start. Christian Pulisic could see some time off the bench but won’t start.
USA lineup vs Turkey: Turner; Trusty, M. Robinson, McKenzie, Scally; Berhalter, Reyna, McKennie; Aaronson, Pepi, Weah
Goalkeepers: Chris Brady (Chicago Fire), Matt Freese (New York City FC), Matt Turner (New England Revolution)
Defenders: Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Sergiño Dest (PSV), Alex Freeman (Villarreal), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Auston Trusty (Celtic)
Midfielders: Tyler Adams (AFC Bournemouth), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Gio Reyna (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders), Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen)
Forwards: Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United), Folarin Balogun (Monaco), Ricardo Pepi (PSV), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Tim Weah (Olympique Marseille), Haji Wright (Coventry City), Alejandro Zendejas (Club América)
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