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Football Insider

Time for Ricardo Pepi and Alejandro Zendejas? Picking the USMNT XI Mauricio Pochettino should start against Türkiye

With first place secured and the U.S. exercising caution over yellow cards and injuries, Mauricio Pochettino is expected to rotate. Here is who GOAL thinks should start.

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Time for Ricardo Pepi and Alejandro Zendejas? Picking the USMNT XI Mauricio Pochettino should start against Türkiye

Time for Ricardo Pepi and Alejandro Zendejas? Picking the USMNT XI Mauricio Pochettino should start against Türkiye

1

Analyzing the Depth of USMNT Squad

As the United States Men's National Team prepares to face Türkiye in their final group stage match, Mauricio Pochettino finds himself in a position where he can experiment with his lineup. With key players potentially rested or rotated, it's an opportunity to see what the depth of the USMNT squad has to offer.

2

Ricardo Pepi: A Rising Star

One player who has been making waves in Major League Soccer is Ricardo Pepi. The young striker has been in excellent form for FC Dallas and could be a strong candidate to lead the line for the USMNT against Türkiye. His pace, intelligence, and eye for goal make him a potent attacking threat.

3

Alejandro Zendejas: Adding Creativity

Another player who could feature in Pochettino's XI is Alejandro Zendejas. The attacking midfielder has been impressing for his club side and could provide the creativity and vision needed to unlock Türkiye's defense. His ability to link up play and create chances for his teammates could be crucial.

4

Predicted Starting XI

Based on recent form and potential rotations, GOAL predicts a starting XI for the USMNT that includes the likes of Pepi, Zendejas, and other exciting young talents. This match against Türkiye could be the perfect opportunity for these players to prove their worth and stake a claim for more regular minutes in the national team setup.

Published on Jun 25, 2026