Timothy Weah considers bench role as USMNT prepares for World Cup

Timothy Weah, one of the most recognizable faces on the US Men’s National Team, is reportedly open to a bench role as the squad finalizes its preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. For a player who scored in the group stage of the 2022 tournament in Qatar, that’s a significant shift in posture.

The 26-year-old winger was named to the USMNT’s 26-player roster around May 26, 2026. His inclusion was never really in doubt. His role, however, is a different conversation entirely.

From starter to flexible option

Weah has spent the 2025-26 season on loan at Olympique de Marseille from Juventus, featuring regularly in Ligue 1. But “regularly” hasn’t always meant “every match.” Thigh issues and tactical rotations under Marseille’s coaching staff have occasionally pushed him to the bench this season.

That experience appears to have recalibrated his expectations heading into the World Cup. Rather than demanding a guaranteed starting spot, Weah seems willing to accept whatever role head coach Mauricio Pochettino assigns him.

Weah can play as a winger or slot in at right-back, giving Pochettino tactical options that few other players on the roster can offer.

The Brooklyn-born son of a president

Born in Brooklyn on February 22, 2000, he’s the son of George Weah, the Liberian football legend who won the Ballon d’Or in 1995 and later became president of Liberia.

After starting his youth development at New York City FC, he moved across the Atlantic, spending time at clubs including Lille before landing at Juventus. The loan to Marseille this season kept him in France’s top flight.

His 2022 World Cup goal against Wales remains one of the defining moments of that tournament for US fans. It was his first major international experience.

Weah has also made headlines for reasons beyond the pitch recently. He expressed disappointment over high ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup, comments notable enough to prompt a response from Pochettino himself.

Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.