Pochettino Rotates U.S. Squad for July 1 World Cup Path as 4 Face Suspension Risk
Updated
Updated · The Boston Globe · Jun 25
Pochettino Rotates U.S. Squad for July 1 World Cup Path as 4 Face Suspension Risk
3 articles · Updated · The Boston Globe · Jun 25
Summary
Thursday’s Group D finale against Turkey carries no standings stakes for the United States, which already secured first place with wins over Paraguay and Australia.
Four U.S. starters — Folarin Balogun, Tyler Adams, Chris Richards and Antonee Robinson — are on yellow cards, making rotation the clearest way to avoid round-of-32 suspensions on July 1.
Christian Pulisic adds a second lineup dilemma after missing 1 1/2 matches with a tight calf; he has returned to training, but playing him risks reinjury before the knockout stage.
Turkey, beaten 2-0 by Australia and 1-0 by Paraguay, is already eliminated but still has incentive to chase a consolation win, raising the chance of a physical match the U.S. must manage carefully.
The setup gives Mauricio Pochettino a rare luxury for the Americans at a World Cup: protect key players, test depth and still try to carry momentum into the knockout rounds.