Ricardo Pepi, Matt Turner forcing Mauricio Pochettino to rethink lineup with USMNT assumptions on hold
Ricardo Pepi and Matt Turner have prompted a reevaluation of the USMNT lineup ahead of the World Cup. Their performances in a recent friendly against Senegal challenge previous assumptions about the starting positions. Coach Mauricio Pochettino is expected to make significant changes before the World Cup opener.
- ▪Ricardo Pepi started at striker and Matt Turner was in goal during the USMNT's 3-2 win over Senegal.
- ▪Folarin Balogun and Matt Freese were previously considered likely starters for the World Cup.
- ▪Mauricio Pochettino's lineup for the World Cup opener is expected to differ from the one used against Senegal.
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Ethan Sears Ricardo Pepi, Matt Turner forcing Mauricio Pochettino to rethink lineup with USMNT assumptions on hold By Ethan Sears Published May 31, 2026, 10:53 p.m. ET Ricardo Pepi attempts to take a shot during the USMNT's May 31 friendly against Senegal. AP Photo CHARLOTTE, N.C. — It’s been treated as something of a given, at least from the outside, that Folarin Balogun will start at striker for the USMNT at the World Cup. Likewise, it has looked like a safe assumption that Matt Freese will be in net when the Americans play Paraguay on June 12. Maybe we should all stop assuming. Not because Ricardo Pepi started at striker, and Matt Turner in goal, for Sunday’s 3-2 win over Senegal.
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