GOAL's picks: Max Arfsten, Sergino Dest, Alex Freeman, Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Miles Robinson
In the mix: Noahkai Banks, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Joe Scally, John Tolkin, Auston Trusty, Walker Zimmerman
Starting with the center backs, there's a big wildcard here in the form of Banks, who has seemingly taken a massive leap forward since the fall. Now starting and performing regularly in the Bundesliga, he has to be right on the cusp. However, it's hard to justify chucking a player in for his first caps in a World Cup environment. Because of that, let's revisit him in March after he, hopefully, gets some run against Portugal or Belgium.
Scally, too, is an interesting one. Able to play as a third center back or as a right back, there's versatility there alongside plenty of Bundesliga experience. He only returned to the group in the fall, though, so he may have some ground to make up on a few of the guys who were involved through most of the year.
Largely, though, many of the regulars here are well-known and, with Antonee Robinson now back to full fitness, there's even more reason for optimism.