USA predicted lineup vs Canada: International friendly
- USA vs Canada kicks of on Sept. 7 at 4 p.m. ET
- Christian Pulisic will captain the Stars and Stripes
- The USMNT is looking for their first win in over two months
The USA's lineup against Canada for their upcoming international friendly will feature some new faces amid the USMNT's injury woes.
The U.S. Men's National Team will be eager to put their disappointing Copa America 2024 performances behind them as they gear up for international friendlies against Canada and New Zealand in September. Jesse Marsch's side is a formidable opponent for the USA, especially after their fourth-place finish at this summer's Copa America.
Mikey Varas will lead the Stars and Stripes in their two fixtures despite the recent hiring of Mauricio Pochettino, and the interim coach must field a different lineup than Gregg Berhalter's trusted XI as Tyler Adams, Tim Weah, and Sergino Dest deal with injuries.
Here's what the USA's starting XI could look like as they face Canada at Children's Mercy Park.
USA predicted lineup vs Canada (4-3-3)
GK: Matt Turner - Fresh off a move to Crystal Palace, Turner will earn his 45th cap for the Stars and Stripes this international break.
RB: Joe Scally - Joe Scally will continue starting at right-back in place of the injured Sergino Dest.
CB: Chris Richards - Richards more-than solidified his spot in the USA's starting XI, and should have plenty of success against Canada's sometimes stagnant attack.
CB: Tim Ream - Ream and Richards formed a solid partnership at Copa America 2024, but the 36-year-old could see his spot taken by younger talent like Miles Robinson.
LB: Caleb Wiley - Antonee Robinson is the undisputed starter for the USMNT on the left flank, but as he rests during this international break, 19-year-old Caleb Wiley might get his chance to impress after representing the Stars and Stripes at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
CM: Yunus Musah - Musah's impressive performances for AC Milan so far this season is just what the USMNT's midfield needs, especially after they failed to contribute a single goal or assist at Copa America 2024.
CM: Johnny Cardoso - Tyler Adams is dealing with a back injury, therefore Johnny Cardoso could get the opportunity to prove himself in front of the Stars and Stripes' new coaching staff.
CM: Malik Tillman - Weston McKennie did not make the USMNT's squad, leaving the door open for Tillman to get more minutes, especially after his great start to the 2024/25 season with PSV.
LW: Christian Pulisic - The Stars and Stripes' captain has 30 goals for the USA in 71 appearances, and will once again lead his men from up top.
ST: Folarin Balogun - Balogun emerged as the USA's No. 9 at Copa America 2024, and will have to maintain his goalscoring form to keep the likes of Josh Sargent, Haji Wright, and Ricardo Pepi on the bench.
RW: Gio Reyna - Reyna might not thrive on the wing, but in the absence of Tim Weah, the Dortmund man is the best option to play up top with Pulisic and Balogun.