Several Celtic players have played a part in their nation booking their ticket for the much-anticipated 2026 World Cup next summer, no more so than Kieran Tierney.
But for someone like Auston Trusty, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Alistair Johnston, they didn’t have to go down that road because America and Canada will be co-hosting football’s biggest tournament, alongside Mexico, so they got automatic qualification.
Unfortunately for Carter-Vickers, his chances of earning that place in Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT (United States men’s national soccer team) squad are over because of his season-ending injury at Celtic, and Johnston also has a fight on his hands.
But Trusty was recalled to the USMNT’s squad recently, so what are his chances of being picked by Pochettino next summer?
Will Auston Trusty go to the 2026 World Cup with the USMNT?
It needs to be noted that Trusty returned to the USMNT squad after not being picked since November of last year.
The Celtic defender sat on the bench for his nation’s friendly win over Paraguay during the November international break.
But he then earned a long-awaited start as Pochettino watched his side dispatch Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay 5-1 in another friendly encounter, as he also earned himself an assist.
Speaking on CBS Sports Galazo America, Jimmy Conrad, Marcelo Balboa and Charlie Davies were all discussing Trusty’s chances of making the final cut.
All three have represented the United States and understand what it’s like to go to a major tournament.
The American pundits gave Trusty the thumbs up to make the final squad for the 2026 World Cup, as Davies highlighted what ‘separates’ Celtic’s Premiership title winner from ‘everyone else.’
Conrad: “You have (Chris) Richards and (Tim) Ream. But who else goes with them? He gave Mark McKenzie the captain’s armband. I thought that was something to note.
“He has been trusting Miles Robinson as well. So, I have McKenzie and Miles Robinson as my next two defenders.
“Cameron Carter-Vickers probably won’t get back in time if he is being considered due to that achilles injury.
“Auston Trusty got a run out and was solid. Did his job and connected a lot of passes. It’s what you want out of a centre-back.
“Who are you thinking are going to be the next? Who would you like to see?”
Balboa: “I would love to see Trusty. I would love to see Trusty because you can just see the way he thinks and the way he moves.”
Davies: “The thing that separates Trusty from everyone else is that he is left-footed. Naturally left-footed.
“If we are really trying to dial into options and what happens if Tim Ream goes – I think Chris Richards is going to be the centre piece of the back three. Tim Ream is going to be on the left. A natural left footer, in terms of that, I could see Auston Trusty there. Trusty still has a conversation in this well.”
Conrad: “I do as well.”
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