Experimentation time is over. With only two friendlies left before the United States men's national team begins World Cup play against Wales on Nov.
21, there's no time left for coach Gregg Berhalter to waste on determining the final, mostly inconsequential roster spots. For that reason, the 26-man roster he called in for the upcoming games against Japan (Sept.
23) and Saudi Arabia (Sept. 27) will serve as somewhat of a World Cup preview. The team is without potential starters goalkeeper Zack Steffen, left-back Antonee Robinson and winger Timothy Weah due to injuries, but outside of those three there isn't much reason — barring more injury complications — to believe anyone else in the U.S.
player pool remains in serious contention to contribute in Qatar. Berhalter stressed otherwise Wednesday, saying other players can still make the final roster — he has no incentive to say anything to the contrary — but his selections are a clear message about how he views the team.