A youthful addition to Mauricio Pochettino’s squad for FIFA World Cup 2026, 21-year-old Villarreal defender Freeman could start for USA at right-back should the head coach opt to field Sergino Dest in a more advanced position on the right-hand-side as he did in USA’s in their final warm-up friendly vs Germany. However, if Dest is moved to full-back, then Freeman will likely have to settle for a place on the bench. Either way, the 2025 MLS All-Star is a hugely exciting talent who will benefit greatly from the experience of being at the tournament.