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USMNT Jersey Numbers Hint at Knockout Stage Lineup
2 Jul
Summary
- Jersey numbers offer clues to the USMNT's starting XI for the knockout stage.
- Matt Turner received the No. 1 jersey, despite Freese being a projected starter.
- Ricardo Pepi, with limited recent play, was assigned the No. 9 jersey.
The 2026 World Cup knockout stage has commenced, signaling a shift to win-or-go-home matches for the USMNT. Ahead of their Round of 32 clash against Bosnia and Herzegovina, the team's chosen jersey numbers have generated early speculation regarding the starting lineup.
Notable selections include Matt Turner being handed the No. 1 jersey, a decision that raises eyebrows given Matt Freese's potential as the starting goalkeeper. Additionally, Ricardo Pepi will wear the No. 9, despite Folarin Balogun, who has the No. 20 jersey, being a more likely starter in attack. Alejandro Zendejas's No. 26 further adds to the intrigue surrounding player roles.
The USMNT squad list for the knockout phase includes: 1. Matt Turner 2. Sergiño Dest 3. Chris Richards 4. Tyler Adams 5. Antonee Robinson 6. Auston Trusty 7. Gio Reyna 8. Weston McKennie 9. Ricardo Pepi 10. Christian Pulisic 11. Brenden Aaronson 12. Miles Robinson 13. Tim Ream 14. Sebastian Berhalter 15. Cristian Roldan 16. Alex Freeman 17. Malik Tillman 18. Maximilian Arfsten 19. Haji Wright 20. Folarin Balogun 21. Tim Weah 22. Mark McKenzie 23. Joe Scally 24. Matt Freese 25. Chris Brady 26. Alejandro Zendejas
