USMNT Gold Cup Tier Rankings: From Tyler Adams and Matt Turner to Patrick Agyemang and Damion Downs, who are World Cup locks and who are outside looking in?

Tyler Adams: Arguably the USMNT's most important player and surely the team's most crucial midfielder, Adams is so vital to everything this team does. His health has been an issue since 2022 but, with that hopefully behind him, he's back to being a locked-in starter - which is good news for the USMNT.

Chris Richards: The FA Cup winner solidified his place with Crystal Palace this season and, in turn, cemented his place with the USMNT, too. There are plenty of questions about who will partner him, but Richards seems to have claimed one of the starting center-back spots going forward.

Sergino Dest: Now close to full fitness, the PSV star will look to reclaim his spot as a game-changing right-back. No one else in the player pool can provide what Dest can stylistically. It will be interesting to see how Pochettino uses him as Dest joins up with the U.S. for the first time since the coach's arrival.

Matt Turner: There's no doubt that Turner will be at the World Cup. Now, will he be starting? That's a different question. He is likely to remain the USMNT's No. 1, but so much will depend on his next club move. If he gets it right, it will greatly improve his starting chances again next summer.

Johnny Cardoso: The Real Betis star has impressed in La Liga, and seems ready for a step up the club ladder. But he's still yet to show his level with the USMNT. This is the summer to make that happen.

Malik Tillman: He was quite possibly the best player in the Eredivisie this past season, which goes to show how much better Tillman has gotten since arriving at PSV. Like Cardoso, though, he's another one who could really benefit from a series of good performances in a USMNT shirt.

Mark McKenzie: One of several center-backs vying for a starting gig, McKenzie is seemingly ahead of fellow Euro-based defenders Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty, who weren't called into camp. Still, his spot isn't totally certain, largely due to the competition he faces at the position.

Diego Luna: The fastest riser over the past six months, Luna could very well be starting by the time the World Cup kicks off. If he matches his recent performances during the Gold Cup, it's tough to imagine the USMNT without him.

Zack Steffen: Of all the goalkeepers pushing Turner, Steffen seems to be the safest, due to his combination of experience and athleticism. No guarantees, though, particularly if he falters with the Colorado Rapids. But Steffen has reason to believe this cycle will be different after missing out in 2022.

Tim Ream: The veteran gets his own category because he's in a category of one. The 37-year-old veteran is still capable, but his career clock keeps ticking. Can he hold it off for one more summer? He'll hope so, even if his presence next summer is just to provide a veteran presence to a less-experienced group.

Brenden Aaronson: His Nations League exclusion will surely have lit a fire under him. He rebounded fairly well with Leeds, helping them earn promotion. Aaronson, though, still has to carve out a role under Pochettino, particularly as other attacking midfielders continue to blossom.

Miles Robinson: Center-back is crowded, but the FC Cincinnati star is clearly in the mix. With most of the other contenders playing in Europe, Robinson finds himself in a unique place in this competition. Throughout his career, he's been one of the best in MLS. If he stays at that level, he has a shot.

Walker Zimmerman: Added as a late replacement, the 2022 World Cup veteran is consistently reliable. He continues to thrive in MLS and, at 32, Zimmerman could have a few years left in the tank. He's been out of the picture recently, so this summer will be key for him to play his way into Pochettino's plans.

Luca de la Torre: Another World Cup veteran, De la Torre has generally been a reliable backup during his time with the USMNT - and he did score his first senior goal against Canada last September. A move to hometown San Diego FC has reinvigorated him, putting him in the mix after missing out on recent rosters.

Haji Wright: Given how crowded the forward pool is, Wright could certainly use a goal or two in the Gold Cup. His versatility helps his case, particularly with the lack of pure wingers in this player pool.

Brian White: Despite having less than a handful of caps, White is here due to his club experience. He's been one of the best in MLS and certainly looked good in January camp. But as the oldest member of a young attacking group, White is more of a veteran than a newcomer, despite his USMNT inexperience.

Matt Freese: The NYCFC goalkeeper had a legitimate argument to be recognized as the best in MLS last season, and now he's searching for his first USMNT cap. We've seen the Gold Cup springboard careers before, with Turner being the perfect example. Can Freese be next?

Chris Brady: The Chicago Fire No. 1 was called in as an injury replacement for Patrick Schulte, which makes sense given his USYNT pedigree. Brady is taking a leap in MLS this season and, while he may be one for the future, it is good for him to be in camp now, even if it's just as a learning experience.

Max Arfsten: The Columbus Crew defender has clearly earned Pochettino's trust as he joins the U.S. for a third consecutive camp. Rumors suggest European clubs are watching, so this summer will be big for him in more ways than one.

Alex Freeman: An interesting prospect that continues to get better for Orlando City, Freeman - son of former NFL wide receiver Antonio Freeman - is arguably this year's breakout star in MLS. The fullback positions are certainly crowded, but Freeman has all of the qualities Pochettino will be looking for. Now, it's about showing them in his first USMNT camp.

Nathan Harriel: He's been in USMNT camp before, but the Philadelphia Union defender is seeking his first cap. He's steadily progressed with the Union and is one of several of the club's academy products in this squad. His ability to play center-back or right-back could certainly help, particularly in this tournament setting.

Sebastian Berhalter: Berhalter has a familiar name, but this version of the midfielder feels entirely new. His run through the CONCACAF Champions Cup was career-changing, showcasing how much better he's gotten as a player in Vancouver. Son of former USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter, he's earned his place - and deserves a chance to show why he could be a part of the midfield picture.

Jack McGlynn: One of the best passers in the pool, this summer is all about showing what else he can do. Given the absences in midfield, McGlynn could get some significant minutes this summer, giving him the chance to show how the other sides of his game are developing.

Quinn Sullivan: The Union homegrown already has two goals and seven assists this season after hitting five and 11 in 2024. It's clear he's getting better, but can he be USMNT-ready in time for next summer?

Paxten Aaronson: Another player with a familiar name, the younger Aaronson had a very good season while on loan with FC Utrecht, and joined this squad after Balogun was injured. Capable of playing all over the field, he'll be competing with his own brother for minutes, and there's certainly a chance we see them both on the field at the same time.

Patrick Agyemang: One of the breakout players this year, the Charlotte FC striker has three goals in just four USMNT caps - and goals always go a long way in a striker race. It took time for him to get going in MLS this season, but now that he has, Agyemang is pushing Pepi, Balogun and Josh Sargent, with that trio not involved.

Damion Downs: After a fantastic season with Koln, one which ended in promotion to the Bundesliga, Downs arrived with the USMNT in search of his first cap. He's proven he can do it in the 2. Bundesliga, but can that translate to the international level? That's what we'll find out this summer.