Following a disappointing showing in the Concacaf Nations League, the United States Men`s National Team is back in action. They are scheduled to play a friendly match against Turkey as part of their preparations for the Gold Cup, which is set to begin in just over a week.
This international window is somewhat unusual, with the Club World Cup and scheduled rest for some key players affecting squad availability. Coach Mauricio Pochettino`s roster for this match is consequently missing several regular starters, including Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Sergino Dest, Gio Reyna, and Folarin Balogun.
Turkey presents a significant challenge, ranking 27th in the FIFA men`s standings. For a USMNT squad largely composed of Major League Soccer talent, this friendly will serve as a genuine test of Pochettino`s tactical approach.
Match Details: USMNT vs. Turkey
- Date: Saturday, June 7
- Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Pratt & Whitney Stadium — East Hartford, Connecticut
- TV Coverage: TNT
- Live Streaming: Fubo (subscription may be required)
Last Encounter
The teams last met in 2014, a friendly that saw the United States defeat Turkey before heading to the World Cup in Brazil. The USMNT reached the knockout stage in that tournament before being eliminated by Belgium in extra time. Although it was over a decade ago, Hakan Calhanoglu, who featured as a substitute for Turkey in that 2014 match, is expected to start in the upcoming game and play a crucial role in their midfield.
Coach`s Perspective
Given the relative inexperience of the current international squad, coach Pochettino was questioned about the team`s capability to win these preparatory matches before the Gold Cup. He quickly dismissed the premise of the question, emphasizing respect for the players present.
“I think we need to respect the players that are here. We need to respect every single player and see if we are good enough,” Pochettino stated. “I will let you know after. We weren`t good enough to win the Nations League. We were not good enough, if we go back to the World Cup, we were not good enough to win the World Cup in 2022. I think we cannot judge or analyze in this way. I think we need to wait, and then if we win, so happy. If we don`t win, you can criticize.”
While Pochettino`s assessment of past performances is accurate, this period offers a vital opportunity for him to elevate the team`s level of play to one capable of securing victories. This marks the longest training camp the Argentine coach has had with the squad since taking charge in September 2024, providing ample time for tactical development. Should the team still struggle to win these types of matches after this extended period together, it could raise concerns about the squad`s potential ceiling under his leadership.
Midfield Options
With new faces like Sebastian Berhalter and Quinn Sullivan joining the camp, Pochettino now has additional options in the midfield. Sullivan, who has experience in the USMNT youth setup, has typically played as a winger but has been utilized in central roles for his club. Alongside established players such as Jack McGlynn, Luca De La Torre, Malik Tillman, Diego Luna, and Tyler Adams, Pochettino has considerable flexibility in selecting his midfield configuration for the friendly. His choices in this area could have significant implications for the eventual World Cup squad.
Anticipated Lineups
Predicted USMNT XI: Matt Turner, John Tolkin, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Nathan Harriel, Tyler Adams, Johnny Cardoso, Diego Luna, Malik Tillman, Patrick Agyemang, Haji Wright
Predicted Turkey XI: Ugurcan Cakir, Mert Muldur, Samet Akaydin, Caglar Soyuncu, Mustafa Eskihellac, Salih Ozcan, Hakan Calhanoglu, Arda Guler, Kenan Yildiz, Baris Yilmaz, Kerem Akturkoglu
Player to Watch
John Tolkin, Holstein Kiel: Although Tolkin is participating in his first USMNT camp since his club was relegated from the Bundesliga, he delivered solid performances for Holstein Kiel after his arrival in January. With Antonee Robinson unavailable, Tolkin could earn an opportunity to start at left back for the national team – a position currently lacking a clear backup. Building depth in multiple positions will be crucial for the USMNT`s success at the 2026 World Cup, making the identification of Robinson`s understudy a key task.
Key Storyline
Which Version of the USMNT Will Appear? If the team performs as they did in the recent Concacaf Nations League matches against Panama and Canada, they are unlikely to secure a positive result against Turkey. With the World Cup on the horizon, such a performance would be disappointing and could lead to questions about Pochettino`s suitability for the head coach role. While a win in this friendly isn`t necessarily mandatory, a significantly improved performance level is essential.
Match Prediction
In what is expected to be a competitive match featuring pressing tactics from both sides, a draw seems a likely outcome. It should still be an engaging contest, perhaps seeing Arda Guler finding the net before a substitute like Brian White comes on to earn a draw for the USMNT. While it might not be a flawless display, such a result could still build confidence for the squad. Prediction: USMNT 1, Turkey 1.
