Mark McKenzie omitted from USMNT World Cup Squad despite strong season for Genk | OneFootball

Genk’s American centre-back Mark McKenzie has not been included in the USMNT 26 man squad for the upcoming 2022 World Cup in Qatar. McKenzie is part of a Genk defence that has only conceded 15 goals in 16 games this season, the joint best record in the Belgian Pro League. The US born defender has played in 13 games for the side who are currently top of the Belgian league having only lost one game all season.

McKenzie has 20 caps for the USMNT, having made his international debut February 2020. He was involved in both of the recent friendly matches against Japan and Saudi Arabia, but clearly did not do enough to impress head coach Gregg Berhalter.

Another omission from the Pro League is Sam Vines, who picked up an injury in the last few weeks which ruled him out of contention for the World Cup. Vines has been ever present for Antwerp this season, who hold the joint best defensive record with McKenzie’s Genk side.