USMNT forced to adjust as key defensive injuries open door for experimentation vs. Belgium, Portugal

MARIETTA, Ga. — With the World Cup on the horizon, the U. S.

backline has failed to coalesce as well as other areas in Mauricio Pochettino’s roster arrangement. And now, heading into massive tests against Belgium on Saturday and Portugal on Tuesday, injuries to two regulars are complicating Pochettino’s plans and opening opportunities for experimentation. Chris Richards — the team’s best center back and as close to a certain World Cup starter as almost anyone invited to this nine-day camp — is experiencing knee issues and will probably miss both Mercedes-Benz Stadium friendlies.

Miles Robinson, who started three of the previous four matches, suffered a groin injury and “for sure” is out of the two games, Pochettino said Friday. Draft your Yahoo Fantasy Baseball team for the 2026 MLB Season The remaining center backs are Tim Ream, Mark McKenzie and Auston Trusty. Late last year, Pochettino showed more confidence in playing with three center backs and two wing backs after using a standard four-man set-up with two center backs for much of his tenure.

The U. S. did not concede more than one goal during the five-game unbeaten streak against World Cup-bound teams that ended the 2025 schedule.