After a poor start to June, the U.S. men’s national team is kicking off its 2025 Gold Cup campaign against Trinidad and Tobago.
Just a few months ago, the USMNT would have been one of the favorites to dethrone Mexico as Gold Cup champions. Except the Stars and Stripes’ best players, including Christian Pulisic, Antonee Robinson, Folarin Balogun and Sergiño Dest, are missing out on this summer’s tournament due to injury or personal reasons.
The Stars and Stripes in turn have suffered two defeats to Türkiye and Switzerland in the lead up to the Gold Cup. The pressure is on Mauricio Pochettino to get the USMNT back to winning ways against Trinidad and Tobago, but he might have to do so without Tyler Adams, who is still dealing with a foot injury.
Here’s what the Stars and Stripes’ XI could look like to kick off the Gold Cup.
