Why These 5 Players Will Be Essential For USA's World Cup Hopes

If the United States men’s national team is to make a long run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a lot will have to go right. That starts with the team’s key players, many of whom will be playing in their second World Cup. 

Of course, all 26 players who step onto the field for any team at the World Cup are important, but with this U.S. team, there are a few players who are essential to head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

There are simply no replacements for any of these players. Should any of them not be able to go, Pochettino will either completely change how the team plays or they'll struggle with replacements who are limited in their ability to fill the roles. Let's identify five who'll be indispensable. 

Midfielder · United States

Age: 27
Club: AFC Bournemouth (English Premier League)

All throughout the cycle leading to the 2022 World Cup, many questions surrounding the U.S. team involved midfielder Tyler Adams. Who was his backup, and how could the team play without him? Four years later, the same questions persist. Many were hoping Johnny Cardoso would be that pick, but he is injured and never comfortably fit into the role even when healthy. Pochettino controversially elected not to bring Tanner Tessmann or Aidan Morris, who were potential options. 

Adams has struggled with injuries over the years and the team has never looked comfortable when he is not on the field. His absence was particularly noticeable in March when the U.S. team struggled to contain Belgium and Portugal.

(Photo by Michael Miller/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

While Adams is no longer the team’s captain, as he was at the 2022 World Cup, he is the most indispensable player. There is no clear backup for him on this roster, or even in the entire