Thu Jul 03 01:00:00 UTC 2025: ## USMNT Fans Worry Over Players’ Club Playing Time Ahead of 2026 World Cup

**[City, State] –** With the 2026 World Cup less than a year away, concern is growing among USMNT fans about whether key players will get enough playing time with their clubs leading up to the tournament. An analysis suggests that a significant portion of the projected starting lineup is not consistently playing the majority of available minutes for their respective teams.

The worry is that bench time will lead to rust and diminished performance for key players. The ideal scenario, according to the “Eighty Five Percent Rule,” would see players at clubs where they face a level of difficulty that results in an 85% success rate, fostering optimal learning and development.

Comparing the projected USMNT starting lineup to Argentina’s World Cup-winning squad reveals a stark contrast in playing time. Argentina’s starters averaged significantly more minutes for their clubs prior to the tournament.

However, analysts argue that directly correlating club playing time with national team success is an oversimplification. They point to the 2022 World Cup, where the USMNT performed well despite many players having limited minutes with their clubs.

Ultimately, while getting sufficient playing time remains crucial for players like goalkeeper Matt Turner, experts suggest that the majority of transfer activity this summer won’t significantly affect the USMNT’s performance in the 2026 World Cup. The focus, they argue, should be on player health and ensuring key players are in form, regardless of their club situations.

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