Former U.S. men's national team player DaMarcus Beasley said the squad should rotate its lineup for the upcoming World Cup match against Turkey.
Beasley's perspective carries weight as a veteran of four World Cups [1]. His analysis comes as the U.S. seeks to maintain momentum during the group stage of the 2026 tournament.
Speaking on The Rich Eisen Show, Beasley said the current team's performance is a "hot start" at the 2026 World Cup. He compared the quality and trajectory of the current squad to the 2002 team, noting the high level of play exhibited by the current roster.
Regarding the tactical approach for the final group-stage match against Turkey on Thursday night [2], Beasley advocated for a significant shift in personnel. He said the team needs to change all 10 players for the match to ensure stars are rested and the squad remains fresh.
Beyond personnel decisions, Beasley addressed the officiating and technology used in the tournament. He said he dislikes the Video Assistant Referee system, which disrupts the flow of the game. He said he loathes the VAR system for its impact on the rhythm of play.
During the interview, Beasley also commented on the role of Alex Freeman and the general distribution of cards throughout the matches. His critique of the VAR system reflects a broader debate within the sport regarding the balance between accuracy, and the natural pace of football.
“"We need to change all ten players against Turkey."”
Beasley's call for a total lineup change suggests a strategic preference for squad depth over continuity, implying that the U.S. has already secured a favorable position in the group standings. His criticism of VAR highlights ongoing tensions between traditional game flow and the modern push for officiating precision in high-stakes international tournaments.
