Analyst Gives USMNT 2026 Roster Mixed Grades After 5-Game World Cup Exit
Updated
Updated · Sports Illustrated · Jul 9
Analyst Gives USMNT 2026 Roster Mixed Grades After 5-Game World Cup Exit
3 articles · Updated · Sports Illustrated · Jul 9
Summary
Alex Freeman emerged as the roster’s standout with an A after 5 appearances, while Malik Tillman earned an A- and Folarin Balogun an A- despite the U.S. elimination.
The harshest scrutiny fell on players tied to the collapse against Belgium: goalkeeper Matt Freese got a D after a costly blunder, Tim Ream a D+, and Tim Weah an F as the roster’s worst performer.
Christian Pulisic, expected to lead the attack, received only a C after producing 0 goals and 1 assist in 4 appearances, with the review saying his tournament impact lasted little more than one half.
Mauricio Pochettino had resisted singling out players immediately after the exit, but the postmortem argued availability, role fit and performances in decisive matches now offer a clearer picture of who helped and who hurt.