Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Mon 1 June 2026 9:20, UK

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Celtic defender Auston Trusty has received some criticism after the United States narrowly beat Senegal 3-2 on Sunday.

One of this summer’s World Cup host nations, the United States will hope to make it past the quarter-finals for the first time since 1930.

Trusty has been capped only six times since his debut in 2023, but Mauricio Pochettino was evidently impressed by both his Celtic form and his performance in November’s friendly enough to call him up.

The 27-year-old endured an up-and-down season with the Bhoys, facing periods out of the squad but generally proving a reliable presence when in it.

When Martin O’Neill’s team needed to win all six of their final Scottish Premiership games to win the title, he opted for Trusty to start every one, with Celtic’s perfect form seeing them lift the trophy.

United States torn on Auston Trusty

Trusty was praised by the United States media after his role in a 2-0 loss to Portugal at the start of April.

The defender was under more scrutiny on Sunday, however, despite the fact that his team emerged victorious.

Sergino Dest opened the scoring in the opening 10 minutes, before Christian Pulisic doubled the advantage. Sadio Mane got one back before the break, and he scored another to level the scores.

Midway through the second half, though, Folarin Balogun’s goal would have Pochettino’s side back ahead and ultimately the winners.

Trusty had come on at half-time, and there were mixed reviews for his performance. ESPN gave the defender a five out of 10, and wrote that he appeared calm.

NBC Sports was much more willing to praise the Celtic man, handing him a 7.5 out of 10 and writing that he was good at both ends.

USA Today, however, picked on one moment. Miles Robinson also came on at half-time and was at fault for Mane’s second goal when he was caught at the back and failed to cut out the opportunity.

Chris Brady with a big mistake just seven minutes into his USMNT debut 🫠 pic.twitter.com/smCLRPiZVR

— B/R Football (@brfootball) May 31, 2026

Of Trusty, the publication wrote: “Didn’t cover himself in glory on Senegal’s second goal as the entire back line came away with egg on their face.”

Trusty’s chances of starting analysed

Pochettino has largely opted for a back-three during his time with the United States, and it looks as if he will stick with it this summer.

Starting the game were Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, and Alex Freeman, while Joseph Scally and Robinson also came on at the start of the second half.

Stars. Stripes. Squad. pic.twitter.com/kFmgD1icmF

— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) May 31, 2026

Ream, 38, is the United States’ captain, but it seems unlikely that he will continue to start when the tournament kicks off. McKenzie and Freeman both play in Europe, with the latter favoured.

Scally and Robinson are seen on the outside of the squad, while the option not yet mentioned is Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards, who will be expected to start.

Given Trusty’s form for Celtic, he can expect to have a strong chance of competing for a spot in the starting XI.