Auston Trusty has made no secret of his ambition to cement his place alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers in both Celtic’s defence and the USMNT setup.
With the 2026 World Cup set to be hosted in the United States, the prospect of the two Celtic stars forming a key defensive partnership on football’s biggest stage is a tantalising one.
Trusty, however, knows the first step is to consistently perform at club level, especially with Liam Scales pushing hard for a starting spot in Brendan Rodgers’ backline.
The American defender emphasised the importance of excelling for Celtic as the pathway to achieving international aspirations.
“That’d be amazing [to play with Cameron at the World Cup],” Trusty said, as quoted by Yahoo Sports.
“I think that’s absolutely on my mind and I’m sure for Cameron too, it’s on his mind as well.
“We have to do our job here, and doing our job here allows us to propel ourselves into consideration for that team and get the opportunities that we need.
“Take care of business here, then that’d be amazing.”
Trusty’s recent return to the starting XI has reignited his quest to solidify his partnership with Carter-Vickers. After missing games due to illness, he knows there’s no room for complacency, especially with Liam Scales breathing down his neck. Scales, who has impressed in Trusty’s absence, remains a viable option for Rodgers.
Trusty’s recent performances, including a goal in the 3-0 win over St Mirren, have showcased his determination to make the centre-back role his own. His partnership with Carter-Vickers, already praised by Celtic fans, has the potential to develop into one of the most formidable pairings in the Scottish Premiership.
The allure of representing the USMNT on home soil in 2026 is a huge motivator for Trusty. A strong showing at Celtic will only bolster his case to be part of the team, with the added benefit of building chemistry with Carter-Vickers ahead of the tournament.
As one of the host nations, the United States will be under immense pressure to perform at the World Cup, and a reliable defence featuring two battle-hardened Celtic players could prove crucial.
