Total Soccer Show: USMNT, Champions League, EPL, and more ... Key USMNT areas to be excited (or nervous) about ahead of their upcoming matches against Belgium and Portugal | USMNT Weekly
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Mar 25, 2026 Previews of Belgium and Portugal’s strengths and tactical setups. Debates over USMNT lineup choices, formations, and striker options. Discussion of midfield identity, right-side roles without Dest, and Christian Pulisic’s status. Questions about center-back depth, goalkeeper pecking order, and whether friendlies can mimic World Cup intensity.
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Friendlies As High-Value Tests
- These friendlies against Belgium and Portugal are valuable step-up tests that measure USMNT readiness before the World Cup.
- Taylor Rockwell stresses they offer chances to tinker, gel, and test personnel against top-tier opposition.
Confidence Risk From March Friendlies
- Playing elite opponents close to the World Cup carries risk of denting tournament confidence if results are poor.
- Graham Rutherford warns a heavy loss could make the squad timid, citing Scotland's similar March collapse before a tournament.
Prioritize Repeatable Patterns Over Results
- Focus more on repeatable patterns and purpose in performances than raw scorelines.
- Taylor Rockwell says a narrow loss with clear ideas is better than a rout that shows no cohesive identity.