AUSTIN, Texas — Weeks after the U.S. men’s national team named its initial summer roster, the dominant conversation was not about who made the squad — but who didn’t. Most of the core group was absent due to injuries, Club World Cup duties, or, in Christian Pulisic’s case, a hotly debated need for rest.

After a dominant 5-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago, the U.S. Men's National Team returns to action on Thursday night against Saudi Arabia. Both teams lead Group D with three points each, and this matchup could be decisive in determining who finishes on top.