Timothy Weah Accepts Bench Role as World Cup Opens Friday

Timothy Weah is completely fine with coming off the bench if Mauricio Pochettino decides that is his role when the U.S. men’s national team opens the World Cup Friday against Paraguay. The wingback said he is ready to back the plan, even if it means a different place in the lineup than he has usually occupied.

Pochettino’s 3-4-2-1

Weah came off the bench in both warm-up games during this camp, replacing Sergiño Dest against Senegal and Germany. Pochettino used a 3-4-2-1 base in both matches, and that setup makes it difficult to get Dest and Weah on the field together.

That shape also leaves little room to move pieces around without affecting other regulars. Antonee Robinson looks locked in at left wingback, Christian Pulisic is all but assured to take one of the two attacking midfield spots, and Weston McKennie lined up alongside Pulisic in Chicago against Germany.

Weah and Sergiño Dest

Weah said the decision is simple for him: “Completely fine with it,” he said of the possibility he comes off the bench. He added, “Coach’s decision, obviously. We respect it. I’m here to support my teammates. I think a lot of players in this moment would think selfishly. But I’m OK with being a player that comes off the bench to add that bit of energy to my team.”

That answer fits the way he has been used in camp. Dest was one of the USMNT’s better players in both friendlies, while Weah’s last start for the national team came in March against Belgium, when he was picked on by Jeremy Doku.

Marseille Form

At club level, Weah started 26 of 29 games in Ligue 1 for Marseille this season. He said he is here to support his teammates, and he framed the group’s aim around making history rather than protecting any one player’s role.

“I’m here to support my team. Bigger picture isn’t just who’s starting. I think the bigger picture of this team is as a group and making history, taking it as far as we can,” Weah said in Irvine, Calif. He also said, “The attacking side of things are amazing,” and, “I think the defensive side of things are amazing as well. We just have to fine-tune a bit of those last-minute things.”

The opening against Paraguay now tests whether Pochettino stays with the 3-4-2-1 from camp or tweaks the wingback usage once the matches count. Alex Freeman has been lining up as the right centerback in the back three and could slide up to play right wingback too, which gives the staff another option if Weah begins Friday on the bench.