Mark McKenzie is a ball-playing center-back in the USMNT squad, a composed defender now testing himself in Ligue 1 with Toulouse. A Philadelphia Union academy product, McKenzie offers head coach Mauricio Pochettino calmness on the ball and defensive depth at a home World Cup.
From Philadelphia to Toulouse
McKenzie broke through at the Philadelphia Union before a move to Genk in Belgium, and he has since stepped up to Toulouse in France’s Ligue 1, establishing himself in one of Europe’s stronger leagues. The table below covers his main club spells in our database.
| Club | Apps | Tackles won | Interceptions | Clearances | Aerial duels won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia Union | 57 | 43 | 54 | 125 | 72 |
| Genk | 12 | 4 | 11 | 15 | 9 |
| Toulouse | 61 | 61 | 46 | 236 | 83 |
What the numbers say
McKenzie’s record is that of a steady, aerially capable center-back. He has made 236 clearances and won 83 aerial duels at Toulouse alone, adding interceptions and tackles across his spells. His real calling card is composure in possession, the kind of defender who starts attacks rather than just clearing his lines, which fits how the United States want to play out from the back.
Mark McKenzie and the USMNT
For the United States, McKenzie is center-back depth behind Chris Richards and Tim Ream, a ball-playing option who suits Pochettino’s possession style. See where he fits in our USMNT roster guide.
USA 4-1 Paraguay and what is next
McKenzie was part of the squad but did not feature in the 4-1 win over Paraguay at SoFi Stadium, with Richards and Ream the starting pair. Read the full USA vs Paraguay player ratings. Next up is Australia in Seattle on June 19. Planning to go? See our World Cup 2026 tickets guide. For the bigger picture, see our World Cup 2026 hub and the latest World Cup 2026 winner odds, with more at U.S. Soccer. Must be 21+ and present in a state where betting is legal. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Mark McKenzie is an American center-back for Toulouse in France’s Ligue 1 and a squad option for the USMNT. A ball-playing defender, he came through the Philadelphia Union before moving to Europe.
McKenzie came through the Philadelphia Union, moved to Genk in Belgium, and now plays for Toulouse in Ligue 1.
He is a ball-playing center-back, comfortable defending and bringing the ball out from the back, valued for his composure and passing.
No. McKenzie was part of the squad but did not feature in the 4-1 win over Paraguay, with Chris Richards and Tim Ream starting at center-back.