The United States men’s national team is heading into this year’s CONCACAF Gold Cup with heightened urgency, but also significant challenges due to injuries and player unavailability. The 26-man roster for the Gold Cup, announced Thursday, includes Vancouver Whitecaps forwards Brian White and Sebastian Berhalter, highlighting their excellent form this season. However, the squad lacks many of the USMNT’s top-tier players as coach Mauricio Pochettino manages a lineup affected by fitness and club obligations just one year before the World Cup.

Several key contributors from the 2022 World Cup Round of 16 match against the Netherlands are absent. Only four starters remain from that lineup—goalkeeper Matt Turner, defenders Tim Ream and Walker Zimmerman, and midfielder Tyler Adams. Notable stars such as Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Gio Reyna, Tim Weah, and Folarin Balogun are missing for reasons ranging from recovery and rest to the Club World Cup and injuries. This situation puts more responsibility on players like White and Berhalter to step up and prove their worth on the international stage.

Brian White’s Opportunity Amid USMNT’s Offensive Shortage

Brian White, a 29-year-old striker having an outstanding season with the Vancouver Whitecaps, now has a chance to build on his four previous caps for the national team. White’s goal-scoring pace—10 goals in 12 MLS matches this season—places him firmly in the early conversation for MLS’s MVP award, while his five goals in the CONCACAF Champions Cup propelled Vancouver to the final, a result the team is eager to move past after defeat to Cruz Azul. His consistent work ethic and scoring ability provide a much-needed boost to the US attack, which is lacking several of its usual starters.

White’s teammate, Sebastian Berhalter, also earned a spot on the roster for the first time at the senior level. Berhalter, who had not been involved with the U.S. youth setup despite being the son of USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter, has become a key midfield figure for Vancouver in the absence of captain Ryan Gauld. His composed and intelligent play in MLS earned him this maiden national call-up, adding a fresh option to the US midfield.

Significance of MLS Talent for the USMNT as the World Cup Approaches

The inclusion of White and Berhalter underscores a growing reliance on MLS-developed talent for the USMNT, a development that has been viewed positively by fans and analysts, particularly in North America. Yet, with the World Cup less than a year away, the overall US squad depth and quality present concerns. The decision to field a roster heavily weighted with MLS players reflects constraints caused by injuries and club calendar conflicts, but it also raises questions about long-term team cohesion and development.

The absence of fullback Sergiño Dest, sidelined by an ACL injury, is another blow to squad strength. Pochettino emphasized the importance of a tailored rehabilitation program for Dest this summer to ensure complete recovery.

“The best decision is for the player to have an individualized training program this summer so he can focus on being fully recovered,”

—Mauricio Pochettino, USMNT head coach

Moreover, with several European-based stars unavailable, Pochettino has assembled a primarily MLS-based roster, featuring 15 players from the league, seven of whom could make their senior team debuts. While Canada’s team is also adjusting to the absence of some key players like Alphonso Davies and Moïse Bombito, who are injured, the US faces the added challenge of integrating many new players amidst uncertainty about the squad’s final World Cup lineup.

Upcoming Matches Signal High Stakes for the USMNT

Unlike previous editions when top players might be rested during the Gold Cup, this tournament functions as a critical dress rehearsal for the upcoming World Cup. Without its strongest core, the USMNT risks missing valuable chances to solidify team chemistry, fine-tune tactics, and establish a clear playing philosophy under Pochettino. The team’s upcoming schedule includes friendlies against Turkey and Switzerland before beginning Gold Cup group play against Trinidad and Tobago, Saudi Arabia, and Haiti.

Although this group appears manageable on paper, the US squad could face tough challenges before advancing to the knockout stage. The pressure on Pochettino is immense as the highest-paid coach in U.S. Soccer history, tasked with preparing a group capable of competing on the world’s biggest stage. After disappointing Nations League results earlier this year, every match this summer carries the weight of expectation and scrutiny.

Complete USMNT Roster for the Gold Cup

Goalkeepers: Chris Brady (Chicago), Matt Freese (New York City), Matt Turner (Crystal Palace)

Defenders: Max Arfsten (Columbus), Alex Freeman (Orlando), Nathan Harriel (Philadelphia), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse), Tim Ream (Charlotte), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Miles Robinson (Cincinnati), John Tolkin (Holstein Kiel), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville)

Midfielders: Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United), Tyler Adams (Bournemouth), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver), Johnny Cardoso (Real Betis), Luca de la Torre (San Diego), Diego Luna (Salt Lake), Jack McGlynn (Houston), Quinn Sullivan (Philadelphia), Malik Tillman (PSV Eindhoven)

Forwards: Paxten Aaronson (Utrecht), Patrick Agyemang (Charlotte), Damion Downs (Cologne), Brian White (Vancouver), Haji Wright (Coventry City)