Back 3 or Back 4? 2022 World Cup USMNT Player Explains The Difference

When it comes to defensive strategy, back three or back four? A back three provides a lot more flexibility in attack — and it's a strategy the U.S. men's national team is likely to start with at the 2026 World Cup. 

This formation makes a lot of sense when you have a pair of fullbacks who can cover a lot of ground, like Sergiño Dest and Antonee "Jedi" Robinson, maybe even a Tim Weah in certain situations. 

When in possession, it allows the center backs who are playing on the left and right sides to be a bit more aggressive. In the friendlies, we saw Alex Freeman play on the right side of the back three and focus on an opposing winger.

There will be times when the back three truly becomes a back five. That’s when you’re sitting in a low block and absorbing pressure when the opposition really has its foot on the gas pedal.

For the most part, though, the U.S. will be in what I’d refer to as a back three. It comes down to the attitude of the wing backs, and I’d expect Dest and Robinson to be important parts of the U.S. attack.

Here's what to expect this summer, and why the U.S. has changed formations from the last World Cup.

Another part of the USA’s decision to play with three center backs instead of two in a traditional back four is 38-year-old Tim Ream. The team captain started both friendlies against Senegal and Germany on the left side of the back three. Having an extra center back offers him more support against some key attacking players that the U.S. will run into throughout the tournament.

A big reason for the United States' formation at this World Cup: to support 38-year-old Tim Ream. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

We saw in the friendly against Germany that Tim was in some one-on-one situations against winger Leroy