The Guardian's football writers have offered predictions for the United States men's national team's roster as a new World Cup cycle begins, with head coach Mauricio Pochettino expected to use the upcoming squad selection to blood several young prospects. Writers Pablo Maurer and Paul Tenorio (Rueter) largely agree on established figures such as goalkeeper Matt Turner, defenders Chris Richards and Antonee Robinson, and veteran Tim Ream, while diverging on which emerging players deserve a chance, reflecting a broader shift towards giving youngsters like Cavan Sullivan opportunities after a disappointing World Cup campaign.

Among the specifics, Turner leads MLS goalkeepers in goals prevented (10.7 per FotMob), ahead of Andrew Thomas (9.6) and Brian Schwake (8.2), while 20-year-old Diego Kochen is tipped for minutes given his form on loan at Lyngby. In defence, Alex Freeman and Robinson are seen as first-choice full-backs, with younger alternatives such as 18-year-old Neil Pierre and Stoke City's Luca Bombino also under consideration; the 42-year-old Ream, the oldest USMNT player ever to appear at a World Cup, is expected to retain a role as a mentor to less experienced squad members despite his age.