Former United States men's national team goalkeeper Tim Howard, who guarded the net in three World Cups, recently spoke about the team's outlook as the 2026 edition draws nearer.
The Road to the 2026 World Cup
Howard singled out a handful of players he believes will define the squad's fortunes, naming Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Matt Freese and Fol Balogun as the core of the side.
He praised Pulisic's standing as the team's most talented individual, noted McKennie's strong season with Juventus, and highlighted Freese's role as the designated goalkeeper, acknowledging the weight of expectation on his shoulders. Balogun, Howard added, is expected to lead the attack and must deliver if the United States hopes to progress beyond the group stage.
The veteran also pointed to the unique advantage of hosting the tournament on home soil for the first time in more than three decades, a factor he says could energize the squad and its supporters.
Howard emphasized that the team's "spine" — comprising Pulisic, McKennie, Freese, Chris Richards and Balogun — must click together, and that a solid performance in the opening matches could be enough to secure a place in the knockout rounds.