Defender Max Arfsten, who played in 16 of the United States’ 18 matches in 2025, has been named to the 26-player U.S. roster for the World Cup this summer.
HOWARD SMITH
Getty Images
The biggest question among Fresno soccer fans is likely this: Why didn’t Fresno native Max Arfsten see the field in the U.S. men’s national team’s match against Türkiye?
The U.S. had already clinched the top spot in Group D and secured a place in the knockout stage, making Thursday’s match at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood an opportunity to rest regular starters and give reserves valuable minutes.
Several backups got that opportunity. Arfsten did not.
Why Mauricio Pochettino chose not to play the former San Joaquin Memorial standout remains a mystery.
The decision also drew questions on social media, where fans wondered why Arfsten had yet to log a minute through the team’s first three matches of the tournament.
Still mad Max Arfsten didn’t get to step foot on field
— Frank “Da Tank”🚛🚛 (@FrankDaTank2022) June 26, 2026
Agree!!! But where is Max Arfsten? Thought for sure he’d get in this game and didn’t.
I know he had a yellow card, but I thought Berhalter had a really good game.
There’s no doubt we win this game if our starting eleven played.
— Decker (@Rudedeck) June 26, 2026
Great match. Everything the #USMNT needed. I hope we’re up for goals on Wednesday so Max Arfsten can get in. #WorldCup
— Ryan Scott (@RyanAlanScott) June 26, 2026
This is the best opportunity for Max Arfsten to get a cap in the WC in what is essentially a friendly, and they are probably going to sub in a starter instead. Gotta feel for Max. You get picked for the roster but only an injury will get you on moving forward.
— Kyle (@BucKylez) June 26, 2026
As the U.S. advances to the knockout stage, Arfsten’s chances of seeing the pitch appear to be dwindling unless Pochettino decides he can provide a boost.
U.S. will play Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1 in the Round of 32 at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara.
Related Stories from Fresno Bee
The Fresno Bee
Anthony Galaviz writes about sports for The Fresno Bee. He covers the Las Vegas Raiders, high schools, boxing, MMA and junior colleges. He’s been with The Bee since 1997 and attended Fresno City College before graduating from Fresno State with a major in journalism and a minor in criminology.
Support my work with a digital subscription