The United States kick off their World Cup 2026 campaign tonight against Paraguay, and the early team news from GoalZaza suggests Gregg Berhalter is r...
The United States kick off their World Cup 2026 campaign tonight against Paraguay, and the early team news from GoalZaza suggests Gregg Berhalter is rolling the dice on a shape that could be described as either inspired or suicidal, depending on how the first half hour goes. Chris Richards finally gets his wish and cracks the opening lineup, which means the nominal 3. 4. 2. 1 we see on the teamsheet is really two different animals depending on which phase of play we are in.This is where it gets interesting. In attack, it becomes a lopsided 3. 2. 5, with the full backs bombing on and the midfield pairing of Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie (or Malik Tillman, depending on the shuffle) providing the platform. But when the team loses possession, Berhalter wants a 4. 4. 2. That requires remarkable discipline from the wing backs to drop in, and from McKennie to get his positioning right and not go wandering. Against Germany, the US fared much better when Tillman dropped deeper into midfield and McKennie pushed forward. I expect a similar dynamic tonight, but I wouldn't discount the possibility of something closer to a 4. 1. 4. 1, with Antonee Robinson and Sergiño Dest operating as conventional full backs.That would leave Tyler Adams as the sole shield in front of the back four, with an attacking line of Christian Pulisic, Tillman, McKennie, and Dest (in a wide role) feeding Folarin Balogun. That is a lot of attacking talent, but it demands that Adams covers an ocean of space on his own. If Paraguay sit in a low block and hit on the counter, the US could be exposed. The real question is whether McKennie can resist the urge to drift into the box and leave a gaping hole in midfield.The lopsided nature of the 3. 2. 5 in possession is a clever way to overload Paraguay's left side, especially if Pulisic drifts infield, but it leaves the US right back isolated against a quick winger. It is a gamble. A calculated one, perhaps, but a gamble nonetheless. I want to see if Berhalter has the bottle to stick with it when the game gets tasty. Squeaky bum time in the opening match You bet. Let's see if the Yanks can walk the tightrope without falling off.
