Story perspectives

Pochettino Rests Four Yellow-Carded Players vs Turkey

6/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino will rest four yellow-carded players for the World Cup match against Turkey.
The rested players are midfielder Tyler Adams, defenders Chris Richards and Antonee Robinson, and striker Folarin Balogun.
Pochettino may use a 3-4-3 formation and consider Leeds United attacker-left-back Arfsten as a substitute.
Midfielder Christian Pulisic returned after a calf injury, while midfielder Cristian Roldan is day-to-day with a muscle strain.

History

Historical Context

When Aimé Jacquet rested key players before France’s 3-0 quarter-final win over Italy in the 1998 World Cup, he proved that strategic rotation could preserve stamina and help secure the title, a lesson echoed today as U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino benches four yellow-carded starters before the Turkey match, reflecting a broader shift toward player-health prioritisation in major tournaments.

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Story summary

U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino will rest four yellow-carded players for the World Cup match against Turkey.
The rested players are midfielder Tyler Adams, defenders Chris Richards and Antonee Robinson, and striker Folarin Balogun.
Pochettino may use a 3-4-3 formation and consider Leeds United attacker-left-back Arfsten as a substitute.
Midfielder Christian Pulisic returned after a calf injury, while midfielder Cristian Roldan is day-to-day with a muscle strain.

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