Mauricio Pochettino is prioritizing the knockout stage by benching four players carrying yellow cards for Thursday's match against Türkiye. Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun, Chris Richards, and Antonee Robinson will sit out to avoid suspensions. Since the USMNT already clinched the top spot in Group D, the result has no bearing on standings.

This cautious approach ensures these starters remain available for the round of 32 match on July 1. Pochettino wants players who will attack the game with full intensity rather than playing tentatively to avoid a booking. He also hinted that Malik Tillman might rest after a long club season, while others with less playing time get minutes.

Christian Pulisic is available after a calf injury, though his role remains undecided. Meanwhile, Cristian Roldan is battling a quadriceps issue and may miss the game. The U.S. expects a competitive match against an eliminated Türkiye side before they likely face Bosnia-Herzegovina in the next round.

Türkiye has lost both group games and cannot advance, but Pochettino expects them to play for pride. This match allows the U.S. to manage player fitness and condition before the knockout stage. The team enters the round of 32 as Group D winners.