Tyler Adams will miss the USMNT's final pre-Gold Cup match against Switzerland due to a foot injury, as confirmed by USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino. The midfielder picked up the knock during the friendly against Turkey, where he played the entire second half.
Pochettino downplayed the severity of the injury, stating, "Tyler is out for tomorrow because he suffered a small issue in his foot. But I think it's not a big issue. Hope it's not a big issue. I think we can manage it in a good way and rest it for a few days, and then see if he can be ready for the Gold Cup. That is why he's not going to be involved tomorrow."
Adams' absence is a significant blow for the USMNT, especially considering the number of other key players already unavailable for the Gold Cup. Christian Pulisic has opted out to recover after his demanding season with AC Milan. Antonee Robinson is recovering from a knee operation. Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, and Gio Reyna are tied to their clubs competing in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Adams is one of the few senior European-based players available to Pochettino for the Gold Cup this summer. His experience and leadership in midfield are valuable assets for a team that is otherwise relatively young and inexperienced. With only six players having 30 or more caps heading into the tournament, Adams' presence is even more crucial.
The USMNT's Gold Cup roster features a mix of veterans and emerging talents, with several players potentially making their first appearance for the national team. The absence of several key players presents an opportunity for these younger players to step up and prove themselves as the USMNT enters the final year before the 2026 World Cup, which they will co-host.
The team's performance in the pre-tournament friendlies, particularly against strong European sides like Turkey and Switzerland, is important. These matches provide Pochettino with a chance to assess his squad, experiment with different formations, and identify areas for improvement before the Gold Cup gets underway. The USMNT will kick off their Gold Cup campaign against Trinidad & Tobago on June 15, followed by matches against Saudi Arabia and Haiti. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup looming, the Gold Cup provides a crucial opportunity for the USMNT to rebound.
