Doug McIntyre’s Projected USMNT Starting XI for 2026 FIFA World Cup: Bold Picks and Rising Stars Revealed
In a tantalizing glimpse into the future of American soccer, FOX Sports insider Doug McIntyre has unveiled his projected starting lineup for the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With the tournament set to unfold on home soil—a historic co-hosting effort with Canada and Mexico—McIntyre’s predictions spotlight a blend of battle-tested veterans and emerging talents poised to carry the Stars and Stripes to new heights. This revelation comes at a pivotal moment, as the USMNT navigates post-2022 World Cup rebuilds and aims to surpass their Round of 16 exit in Qatar.
McIntyre, a veteran soccer journalist known for his sharp analysis on FOX Sports, shared these insights during a recent segment on FOX Soccer Now, emphasizing the rapid evolution of the USMNT roster. “The 2026 World Cup will be our generation’s chance to redefine American soccer,” McIntyre stated. “This lineup isn’t just about talent; it’s about cohesion, experience, and that home-field fire.” His projections factor in current form, player development trajectories, and the unique pressures of hosting the biggest event in sports. As the USMNT enters qualifiers and friendlies, these picks could shape fan expectations and coaching strategies under Gregg Berhalter or his successor.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. The 2026 FIFA World Cup expands to 48 teams, offering the USMNT a more forgiving path but demanding deeper squad depth. McIntyre’s lineup draws from Major League Soccer, European leagues, and Serie A standouts, reflecting the global diaspora of American talent. With keywords like USMNT roster dominating searches, fans are buzzing about who makes the cut and who might be controversially omitted.
McIntyre’s Defensive Backbone: Turner in Goal and a High-Line Fortress
Doug McIntyre wastes no time anchoring his projected USMNT starting XI with a rock-solid defense, starting between the posts with Matt Turner. The 30-year-old New England Revolution and Crystal Palace goalkeeper has emerged as the clear No. 1 since his standout performances at the 2022 World Cup, where he posted three clean sheets in group play. McIntyre praises Turner’s shot-stopping prowess and distribution skills, noting, “In a World Cup hosted across North America, Turner’s ability to launch quick counters will be invaluable against high-pressing foes like Brazil or Argentina.”
Flanking Turner, McIntyre envisions a backline led by captain Tim Ream at center-back, paired with the rising star Chris Richards. Ream, at 38 by 2026, brings veteran leadership from Fulham, having logged over 300 Premier League appearances. His partnership with Richards, a 25-year-old Crystal Palace defender known for his ball-playing elegance, addresses past vulnerabilities exposed in Qatar. “Ream’s experience tempers Richards’ youth,” McIntyre explains. “This duo could rival the best in progressive passing, with Richards’ 92% completion rate in the 2023-24 season setting a new benchmark for USMNT defenders.”
On the full-back flanks, McIntyre opts for Destiny Udogie at left-back and Joe Scally at right-back, diverging from traditional picks like Antonee Robinson. Udogie, the 23-year-old Tottenham Hotspur sensation of Nigerian-Italian descent but eligible for the USMNT through his American passport, represents a bold inclusion. McIntyre highlights Udogie’s Serie A exploits, where he averaged 2.1 tackles per game in 2023-24. Scally, the 22-year-old Borussia Mönchengladbach stalwart, complements with his attacking overlaps, contributing five assists in Bundesliga play last season. This high-line setup, McIntyre argues, aligns with modern soccer tactics, allowing the USMNT to press aggressively while minimizing exposure on the counter.
Statistics underscore the potential: The projected back four combined for over 150 clean sheets in club play last year, a testament to their defensive solidity. Yet, McIntyre cautions about injury risks, pointing to Ream’s age as a wildcard. In context, this defensive unit builds on the USMNT’s 2024 Copa América showing, where they conceded just 1.2 goals per game despite a quarterfinal exit. As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, McIntyre’s choices signal a shift toward fluidity, drawing inspiration from Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City blueprint adapted for international soccer.
Midfield Engine Room: Pulisic, Musah, and McKennie’s Symphony of Control
Transitioning to the heart of the pitch, Doug McIntyre’s USMNT roster projection ignites excitement with a midfield trio that blends creativity, tenacity, and vision: Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and Weston McKennie. This engine room is designed to dominate possession and transition seamlessly, addressing the USMNT’s historical midfield frailties seen in losses to England and the Netherlands in 2022.
At the No. 10 role, Pulisic remains the undisputed star. The 27-year-old AC Milan winger, dubbed “Captain America,” has evolved into a complete attacker, scoring 12 goals and providing 10 assists in Serie A during 2023-24. McIntyre lauds his leadership: “Pulisic’s not just a scorer; he’s the pulse of this team, with his 2026 vision aligning perfectly for a home World Cup run.” Musah, the 23-year-old Valencia midfielder, slots in as the dynamic box-to-box player, his 3.4 tackles per game making him a defensive shield. McIntyre notes Musah’s growth since his Valencia debut, where he transitioned from a raw talent to a key orchestrator in Spain’s La Liga.
Completing the trio, McKennie brings Juventus grit at the base. The 27-year-old’s aerial dominance—winning 65% of duels in 2023-24—and passing range (85% accuracy) make him indispensable. “This midfield has the legs to cover 12 kilometers per game each,” McIntyre predicts, citing FIFA tracking data from recent USMNT matches. Their combined club experience spans over 500 appearances in top European leagues, fostering the chemistry needed for World Cup intensity.
McIntyre’s selection isn’t without debate; omissions like Tyler Adams due to injury concerns spark conversation. Adams, sidelined by hamstring issues in 2024, might return as a substitute, but McIntyre prioritizes current form. This setup echoes the USMNT’s 2021 Nations League triumph, where a similar midfield dismantled Mexico 3-2 in the final. Looking ahead, McIntyre envisions this group evolving through 2025 Gold Cup and Nations League campaigns, honing tactics against CONCACAF rivals and European powerhouses in friendlies.
In broader soccer context, the 2026 FIFA World Cup’s expanded format rewards midfield control, with teams like France and Germany thriving on such balances. McIntyre’s projection positions the USMNT to exploit home advantages, potentially advancing to the knockout stages with 7-9 points in group play—a marked improvement from 2022’s five.
Frontline Firepower: Balogun and Pepi Lead the Charge for Goals
Doug McIntyre rounds out his USMNT starting XI with an attacking front three that promises goals and flair: Folarin Balogun up top, flanked by Ricardo Pepi and Timothy Weah. This unit addresses the USMNT’s scoring drought in Qatar, where they netted only three goals in four matches, by emphasizing pace, finishing, and versatility.
Balogun, the 24-year-old AS Monaco striker, headlines as the focal point. After switching allegiance from England in 2023, he exploded with 21 goals in Ligue 1 last season, earning comparisons to Erling Haaland for his clinical finishing. McIntyre enthuses, “Balogun’s movement off the ball—averaging 2.5 shots on target per game—will terrorize defenses in the 2026 World Cup’s group stage.” Pepi, the 23-year-old PSV Eindhoven forward, partners as a poacher, his nine Eredivisie goals in 2023-24 underscoring his knack for tap-ins. McIntyre highlights Pepi’s chemistry with Balogun from U-20 World Cup days, predicting a lethal duo that could bag 10+ goals combined.
Weah, the 25-year-old Juventus winger, adds width and crossing precision on the right, with four assists in Serie A play. His inclusion over Gio Reyna, who’s injury-prone, reflects McIntyre’s emphasis on reliability. “Weah’s speed—clocked at 34 km/h—stretches the pitch, creating space for Pulisic’s overlaps,” McIntyre says. This frontline’s diversity—Balogun’s hold-up play, Pepi’s runs, Weah’s deliveries—mirrors successful trios like England’s Kane-Sterling-Foden.
Statistically, the group combined for 45 goals in club seasons, a stark contrast to the USMNT’s 1.8 goals per game average in 2024 qualifiers. McIntyre weaves in context from the 2024 Olympics, where U-23 versions of these players shone, signaling a youth movement. Challenges include integrating them without Pulisic overlapping from midfield, but McIntyre trusts Berhalter’s 4-3-3 system to maximize output.
Beyond the XI: Depth in the USMNT Roster and Tactical Flexibility
While McIntyre’s starting XI steals the spotlight, his full USMNT roster projection for the 2026 FIFA World Cup emphasizes bench strength, listing 26 players with rotational options. Key substitutes include Gio Reyna for creative sparks, Brenden Aaronson as midfield utility, and Zack Steffen challenging Turner in goal. Defensively, Walker Zimmerman provides aerial cover, while Sergiño Dest returns from injury as a versatile full-back.
McIntyre’s depth chart accounts for the tournament’s rigors—up to seven matches—factoring in rotations for a 48-team format. “Injuries derailed us in 2022; this roster has redundancies to weather storms,” he notes. Emerging names like Cade Cowell and Paxten Aaronson add MLS flavor, ensuring homegrown talent amid the European exodus.
Tactically, McIntyre foresees Berhalter adapting to 4-2-3-1 variations, leveraging data from Opta showing the USMNT’s 55% possession average in recent wins. Quotes from players bolster the narrative: Pulisic recently told ESPN, “2026 is our World Cup to win,” echoing McIntyre’s optimism.
As qualifiers resume in 2025, this projection sets the stage for trials. The USMNT’s path includes must-win clashes against Mexico and Canada, testing McIntyre’s vision. Success here could propel them to a semifinal dream, capitalizing on host nation momentum and a roster brimming with potential.
Looking forward, McIntyre’s insights fuel speculation: Will these picks materialize, or will surprises like MLS breakout stars disrupt? With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just two years away, American soccer fans have a blueprint to rally behind, blending hope, hype, and hard-earned progress.
