Nine USMNT starters sat out the Turkey game. The reporting says Mauricio Pochettino made nine changes to the starting lineup for that match.

Quick Scoop

That means the U.S. rotated almost the entire XI, keeping only two of the usual starters in place. One preview also described it as four regular starters sitting out, but the match report is clearer on the final lineup changes: nine changes total.

What it means

  • The USMNT had already clinched Group D, so the coach used the game to rest regulars.
  • The lineup was heavily rotated ahead of the knockout rounds.
  • Pulisic was among the players left out of the starting XI.

TL;DR: 9 starters sat out, based on the reported nine lineup changes.