United States National Soccer Team Formation

Starting Lineup

Kochen · Robinson · Richards · Freeman · McKennie · Reyna · Adams · Pulisic · Dest · Tillman · Hall, Ellis or Balo

United States favors a high press and quick transition game using a 3-4-3 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball back high up the pitch and use vertical passes to catch the opposition out of position. The intent is to squeeze the space in the middle and use wide players to stretch the defence.

Kochen starts between the posts to organize the back line. The defensive unit uses a back three where Richards acts as the central defender to hold the line and win the header. Freeman plays as the right centre-back and Robinson operates as the left centre-back. These three must defend zonally and step up to trigger a press when the ball enters their zone. They must also be ready to cover for the midfielders when they push forward.

The midfield operates with a diamond style featuring a single pivot and an attacking ten. Adams sits in front of the back three to shield the defence and deny the pivot. Reyna and McKennie act as the two tens in the half-spaces to connect the lines. Reyna looks to receive on the half-turn to drive forward with the ball while McKennie uses his engine to press aggressively and win the second ball. Tillman plays as the advanced ten behind the striker to find the feet of the striker or play through the lines.

The attack features three players across the front to pin the last defender. Pulisic plays as an inverted winger on the left to cut inside and create chances, while Dest occupies the right wing to provide width and get to the byline. Hall, Ellis or Balo leads the line as a pressing centre-forward to force a long ball from the opposition. This front three works to press from the front and create runs in behind through quick combinations.

United States gains a significant advantage by creating numerical superiority in the attacking third. The way Tillman and the wide players move allows for wide overloads from the wingers and the midfielders. This formation also offers a high level of compactness when defending in a mid-block, making it difficult for opponents to play through the middle.

This 3-4-3 formation relies on high energy to maintain a relentless press. It is best suited for matches against teams that struggle to play out from the back under pressure.