How USMNT’s fatal World Cup flaw can be fixed before facing Paraguay

Mauricio Pochettino probably already knows eight names that will appear on the United States men’s national team’s (USMNT) lineup card when the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins against Paraguay. Christian Pulisic and the eventual keeper are going to be on the list, obviously. So will Folarin Balogun or Ricardo Pepi. Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie are locks if healthy. Sergiño Dest appears ready, and Chris Richards should anchor the back line if he returns in time.

Depth at fullback, firepower up front, and a center‑back group that, while imperfect, has options behind captain Tim Ream and Richards. Spring a few counterattacks, protect a result, and the foundation for a solid Group Stage showing is in place. It’s a 48-team field now after all. Past that, with this midfield? That’s where the margin for error disappears.

Everything starts in central midfield at the FIFA World Cup knockout round level, and that is exactly where this roster is thinnest. Consider it the first big self-inflicted wound by the host. Poch played a few wildcards (Alex Freeman, Alejandro Zendejas) and left Diego Luna and Tanner Tessman at home, even after Johnny Cardoso’s injury.

The USMNT’s biggest unanswered question going into the Germany tune-up may also be the one that determines how far this team can go. Who starts next to Adams and McKennie?

USMNT’s flat third wheel

The final USMNT tune-up against Germany is less about finding the third striker or backup goalkeeper than discovering the midfield formula that can survive against elite opposition. The loss to Senegal exposed a recurring issue for this American squad. When the midfield loses control, the entire defensive structure begins to wobble.

Poch’s side beat Senegal 3-2 to start the ramp-up, riding a drought-ending Pulisic goal and a Balogun winner off the bench. But the way Sadio Mane’s basic moves opened up the match exposed a fatal USMNT flaw that can not be ignored until the next cycle.

Adams remains the only true ball-winning specialist on the roster, while McKennie provides the engine, physicality, and versatility to cover enormous amounts of ground. Together, they have the athleticism and experience to frustrate even elite midfields. Against elite international sides, matches are usually decided by which secondary midfielder can slow transitions, shield the back line, and let the stars picks thier spots.

That is an unglamorous job, and it is the job this roster is least equipped to fill. Still, set reasonable goals and this could be a successful summer. Poch does not necessarily need his squad to command 55% possession against elite opposition like Germany. Instead, the USMNT’s backline (led by a slower-by-the-day Tim Ream) desperately needs proof that the midfield can prevent those dangerous, end-to-end transitional sprints.

Pochettino’s first task is straightforward in Chicago. Give the Adams–McKennie double pivot extended minutes and let the partnership breathe. They need reps, rhythm, and shared responsibility. They need to feel what it’s like to absorb pressure together against a world‑class midfield.

If those two cannot consistently slow transitions and shield the center backs, the USMNT has a much bigger problem than deciding who fills the third midfield spot. Pull them both at the 55-minute mark, having gone through the entire halftime workflow. Past that, it’s all about who should be given the first chance to step up against Germany.

Gio Reyna is the obvious answer for many supporters. On talent alone, few American players can match his creativity or vision. When healthy, Reyna can unlock compact defenses with a single pass. But starting him may not maximize his value. Pochettino has the luxury of bringing one of his most gifted attackers off the bench against tired defenses. Reyna’s ability to dictate tempo and create moments of brilliance could completely change a match during the final 30 minutes.

The same logic applies to Brenden Aaronson. Aaronson’s relentless pressing and energy become even more valuable when opponents begin to fade physically. Asking him to chase the game from the opening whistle may actually diminish one of his greatest strengths. The USMNT does not necessarily need another creator from the opening kick. It may need one when the match enters its decisive stages.

However, Poch needs to get some second opinions before making any final decisions.

Poch’s best backup plan

Ask anyone from Leeds United about Bren-Bren’s growing legend. Aaronson is all lungs and legs, fitting the initial job description near-perfectly. Saving those legs for the third, fourth, and hopefully, fifth games of the tournament is an understandable load/personnel management process. Thinking that far ahead is a luxury the USMNT does not have. Paraguay, Turkiye, and Australia are dangerous squads.

Aaronson, one of the most capped players on the 2026 roster with 57 appearances for the USMNT, sat out the Senegal win. Do not read too much into it until after the Germany match. Poch knew Aaronson was getting married during training camp well in advance. The manager also knows how important Aaronson’s passing can be as well; he led Leeds United in assists last year and is in the best form of his life.

That leaves three intriguing candidates, but the bet here is that Aaronson gets the nod. Cristian Roldan has spent much of his international career doing the dirty work that rarely earns headlines. The Seattle Sounders captain understands defensive responsibilities, keeps possession moving, and rarely panics under pressure. Sebastian Berhalther is gaining the same reputation.

Malik Tillman, however, presents a different opportunity. The PSV midfielder has the physical profile and ball progression to play as a No. 8 in a pinch. Tillman, Adams, and McKennie might not have much attacking verve, but good luck getting around all three at once. Poch may need to hold Tillman back, just in case either Adams or McKennie needs a rest. Still, the Germany friendly is Tillman’s chance to state his case for a larger role.

Can Berhalter organize the shape and protect the back line for 45 minutes? Can Roldan handle the defensive responsibilities against elite attackers? Can Tillman provide enough balance to keep possession while helping defensively? Will Aaronson’s EPL pedigree shine through when it matters most?

If one of those answers is yes, Pochettino can enter the World Cup with some peace of mind. If the answer is no, the United States has identified its fatal flaw before facing Paraguay. That may not be the outcome supporters want, but it is far better than discovering it after the tournament begins.

So forget the final score versus Germany. The number that matters is not goals or possession; it is control. Did the U.S. midfield make Germany play slowly? Did it keep the defense from being run at in transition the way Senegal ran at it? Did anyone other than Tyler Adams show he can hold the middle of the field together?

Fix those perceptions, or at least understand its true dimensions, and the USMNT face Paraguay knowing exactly who it is. Leave the major flaws unaddressed, and the wide-open track meet that nearly cost them against Senegal becomes the blueprint every World Cup opponent will follow.

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