With the 2026 World Cup less than a year away, GOAL looks at the state of the outside backs in the U.S. pool
Less than a year out from the World Cup, the U.S. Men's national team still has so many questions to answer. Can Mauricio Pochettino shape the culture to his liking? Can they actually compete at the World Cup?
The fullback position, however, isn't a question; it's one of the few that should be set in stone. There are two obvious starters here, two players that the U.S. can lean on in games at the highest level. The only issue has been availability and that, admittedly, has been a significant concern for the USMNT over the last year.
Antonee Robinson and Sergino Dest haven't always been there. Robinson dealt with injury issues over the second half of Fulham's season. Dest, on the other hand, had a long recovery from an ACL tear, one that kept him out of the Copa America, the Nations League and, despite nearly being fully fit, the Gold Cup.
Theoretically, both are in a good place heading into their European seasons. They'll need to stay that way for the U.S. to be anywhere near full strength next summer.
That said, there are some interesting players in the player pool around them, those that can either plug gaps right now or down the line. These contenders almost certainly won't catch the two starters, but big picture, there are some good fullbacks in the pipeline.
Post-Gold Cup, GOAL is looking at the state of the USMNT, analyzing the positional battles that will ultimately define next summer's team. Next up: fullbacks.
Getty Images SportThe Starters: Antonee Robinson, Sergino Dest
If their absences proved one thing, it's that the USMNT's starting fullbacks are virtually irreplaceable.
Starting on the left, Robinson solidified his place as one of the Premier League's best fullbacks last season, lifting his game to new heights before injury issues slowed him. Even with those injuries, the Fulham defender finished fourth in the Premier League in assists with 10, trailing only Mohamed Salah, Jacob Murphy and Anthony Elanga.
Robinson, at his best, is a fantastic modern left-back, who can impact the game on both sides of the ball.
Dest, meanwhile, is an attacking weapon. At his best, he's a game-changing presence, one that unlocks a different style of play for the USMNT. Since his ACL injury, that version hasn't been on display – the one who funnels through a dangerous right-hand side. When he returns, it'll be interesting to see how Pochettino finally makes use of him and how his presence impacts how the Argentinian coach sets up his team to play.
The same reality applies to both sides of the defense: if either is missing, the U.S. will have to change how they play, and that, ultimately, makes them a less effective team.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportThe Backup: Joe Scally
There are other players in consideration, but, Scally is the only one with tangible USMNT experience.
No, he isn't Dest or Robinson, and he brings different skills. But that game has value, particularly at the international level. A more defensive player by nature, Scally offers little in the attack. But he does provide stability, which can be helpful in case of an injury or in a late-game situation in which the U.S. needs to hold things down.
The issue is that, when Scally plays, the U.S. has to change to accommodate him, which is never ideal. Even so, he's the most capable backup on the right, while Dest can and has played on the left should he need to take Robinson's spot in case of injury.
Getty ImagesIn The Mix: Max Arfsten, John Tolkin, DeJuan Jones, Marlon Fossey
The race for fullback spots is an interesting one outside of that top three. It's largely up for grabs and full of players with different characteristics.
Max Arfsten, for example, was the Gold Cup starter at left-back, even if he isn't a natural in that spot. More of a left-wingback by trade, Arfsten's attacking ability was key to a team that didn't have many dynamic options out wide. Pochettino clearly valued that this summer, but will Arfsten fit in as well when the more dynamic options return to the team?
John Tolkin, meanwhile, was largely his backup throughout the tournament despite a solid first half-season with Holstein Kiel. His future is uncertain and much will depend on what happens next for him on the club level. The former New York Red Bulls player is certainly in the mix, thanks to his defensive stability and flair for big moments on the attacking end.
Meanwhile, DeJuan Jones and Marlon Fossey have been in and around the team and could certainly make a run to a World Cup spot.
Getty ImagesFor The Future: Alex Freeman, Caleb Wiley, Nathaniel Brown
Start with Alex Freeman, who could arguably be in mix sooner than later. The 20-year-old Orlando City rising star certainly looked capable during his Gold Cup run, and could genuinely be the go-to reserve at right back. Even if he isn't, though, the sky is seemingly the limit for him. Known as an attacking fullback, he was solid defensively – aside from the final against Mexico – and there's reason to believe he'll get better.
There are other youngsters on the rise, too, particularly on the left-hand side. Caleb Wiley had some good moments at Watford and looks set for another go at the Championship this season. Currently at Chelsea, the former Atlanta United defender has three caps and was on the Olympic team last summer. At 20, he's just getting started.
And then there's Nathaniel Brown, a talented dual-national currently playing for Eintracht Frankfurt. The son of an American father and a German mother, Brown has represented Germany thus far, but has been linked with a USMNT switch. If that does happen, he could be in the mix in this cycle.
