Story perspectives

U.S. Soccer Sets Lineup, Goalkeeper Duel Before Paraguay Opener

6/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Starting goalkeeper undecided as Matt Turner and Matt Freese compete for the role.
The United States opens Group D against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium on Friday, June 12, 2026.
All 26 rostered players finished their first full training session together, confirming fitness.
Coach Mauricio Pochettino named a likely eleven with Freeman, Ream, Robinson, Adams, Dest, Pulisic and Balogun.
The roster has 13 players with World Cup experience and 13 first-time participants.

History

Historical Context

When the United States hosted the 1994 FIFA World Cup, FIFA approved a 24-team tournament that sparked nationwide soccer investment. The US Soccer Federation partnered with Major League Soccer, which launched in 1996 and grew to 29 clubs, generating $1.2 billion in revenue by 2020. That expansion mirrors today’s 2026 roster, where coach Mauricio Pochettino balances 13 veterans such as Christian Pulisic with 13 newcomers, echoing 1994’s mix. The precedent set in 1994 suggests the United States will leverage its deep talent pool to contend for a first World Cup quarterfinal since 2002.

1 of 2

Story summary

Starting goalkeeper undecided as Matt Turner and Matt Freese compete for the role.
The United States opens Group D against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium on Friday, June 12, 2026.
All 26 rostered players finished their first full training session together, confirming fitness.
Coach Mauricio Pochettino named a likely eleven with Freeman, Ream, Robinson, Adams, Dest, Pulisic and Balogun.
The roster has 13 players with World Cup experience and 13 first-time participants.

1 / 2