Since his arrival at Celtic in 2021, Cameron Carter-Vickers has established himself as one of Scotland’s top defenders…
Initially signed on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, the American centre-back quickly cemented his place in the squad, earning a permanent move. His defensive prowess played a key role in Celtic’s domestic dominance, including a historic treble under Postecoglou and the prospect of another under Brendan Rodgers this season.
Dominant in club football but a struggle for his national side
However, while his performances in the Scottish Premiership have been widely praised, Carter-Vickers has struggled to replicate that form for the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT). As the U.S. prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico, concerns over the squad’s defensive solidity are mounting.
USMNT Stumbles in Concacaf Nations League
The USMNT recently endured a disappointing Concacaf Nations League campaign, suffering losses to Panama in the quarter-finals and Canada in the third-place playoff. While Carter-Vickers did not feature in the Panama match, he started against Canada and failed to impress, prompting criticism from former U.S. goalkeeper Tony Meola.
Speaking on CBS Sports, Meola openly questioned the Celtic defender’s role in the squad:
“We still got to see centre-backs. Cameron Carter-Vickers. Who is he? I didn’t like what I necessarily saw against Canada.”
Meola also speculated on manager Mauricio Pochettino’s potential squad selection ahead of the Gold Cup, emphasizing that current form should dictate roster decisions rather than past reputations.
“How are we defining Gold Cup guys? Don’t you think that he (Pochettino) is going to call everybody that is available now (rather than just the back-up players), based on what happened here (in the UEFA Nations League), that would be my only question.”
Competition for a USMNT Centre-Back Spot
Despite his success at Celtic, Carter-Vickers faces stiff competition for a place in the USMNT’s defence. The Scottish Premiership is not widely regarded as one of Europe’s elite leagues, which may impact his standing in the national team hierarchy. However, his experience in the UEFA Champions League is a significant advantage, as few of his international teammates have played at that level.
Among those competing for a centre-back spot in the national team setup are Chris Richards, who has earned minutes in the English Premier League with Crystal Palace, and Mark McKenzie, currently playing in Ligue 1 with Toulouse.
Additionally, veteran Tim Ream, despite his age, remains an experienced option, while Walker Zimmerman and Miles Robinson continue to provide domestic consistency in MLS. Fellow Celtic defender Auston Trusty also poses a direct challenge for Carter-Vickers, with both players vying for a starting role in Scotland and on the international stage.
Carter-Vickers’ ability to maintain his place in the squad will depend on his performances for both club and country. With the USMNT under pressure to perform on home soil in 2026, every match leading up to the tournament will be a crucial opportunity for him to solidify his position.
