TAMPA, Fla. — During six friendly matches held at three different camps across six states and spanning three time zones this fall, the U.S. men’s national soccer team developed a strong sense of identity and embraced the culture brought in by Mauricio Pochettino.
The squad showcased their grit and commitment, securing victories against four opponents as they gear up for the 2026 World Cup. They wrapped up the year with a commanding 5-1 win over Uruguay, a result that is sure to be scrutinized worldwide.
advertisement
Positive energy and rising momentum are palpable…
That’s a wrap until spring! See you in March.
Following FIFA’s international calendar, the national team won’t gather all its players again until March 23-31, just before the squad for the World Cup is finalized in late May.
So, what’s next?
Players competing in Europe will head back to their clubs this week to engage in league and cup competitions over the next four months. It’s a long stretch filled with potential injuries, fitness concerns, and changes in playing time that could impact performance.
For those in Major League Soccer, playoff participation is ongoing or they’re entering the offseason. They won’t join the preseason camp until mid-January, with their first official match not happening until February. Pochettino chose to forgo winter training to minimize the burden on MLS players as they narrow down the World Cup roster.
advertisement
The next camp, set to take place in Atlanta before tough friendlies against Portugal and Belgium at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, will certainly differ from the last one. Key players like Christian Pulisic, who missed this camp, are anticipated to return.
Pochettino will monitor the player pool from his base in London, balancing the need for consistent communication with respect for the club coaches handling the players.
“Understanding players during this time is challenging,” Pochettino commented. “We must respect their club coaching staff and truly place our trust in them.”
His advice to players emphasized teamwork: “Push yourselves within the squad, but also collaborate with the club coaches. We can’t sit in their space.”
advertisement
He added, “It’s crucial for them to be in peak condition by March.”
The U.S. men’s national team is building confidence and cohesion as the World Cup approaches in under seven months.
(John Dorton/ISI Photo/USSF via Getty Images)
When training camp arrives in March, Pochettino can begin strategizing against his World Cup competitors, with the draw scheduled for December 5th in Washington.
The three fall camps provided a wealth of potential call-up options, with thirty players earning at least one start. Despite using various backline combinations and only having goalkeeper Matt Freeze in every lineup, the U.S. defense maintained strong performance, allowing no more than one goal after an initial 2-0 loss to South Korea. Twelve midfielders and six forwards stepped up as starters.
As the World Cup looms closer, Pochettino aims to establish more consistency in his starting lineup. However, variance in player availability during the fall and the physical demands of the club season presented challenges for camp attendance.
advertisement
Despite inconsistencies, players appeared to bond and grow together, both on and off the field.
“This was one of the best camps we’ve experienced in a long time,” midfielder Cristian Roldan remarked after the recent match. “It’s vital that everyone contributed, which fostered a strong sense of unity.”
Throughout the fall, Pochettino has gained more clarity regarding his potential World Cup squad. Although changes may come in the months ahead, here’s the current outlook.
Goalkeeper: Freeze stands out as the clear No. 1 option, while Matt Turner’s experience likely secures him the backup role. (Turner was not called for this camp.)
advertisement
Fullback: Young MLS players Alex Freeman and Max Alfsten have made strong impressions and will be available. If he stays healthy, right-back/right-winger Sergiño Dest will also feature. Joe Scully’s status remains uncertain. Anthony Robinson, who has struggled with knee issues, will be sidelined unless he can regain fitness and playing time at Fulham. John Tolkien filled in for Robinson and provided additional depth on the left.
Center back: Chris Richards and Tim Ream are expected to be among the leading center-backs, but Pochettino will need at least two more. Candidates like Miles Robinson, Mark McKenzie, and Auston Trusty are in the mix. Will Triston Blackmon return to the fold?
Midfielder: There’s fierce competition in the midfield. 2022 World Cup captain Tyler Adams missed the last two camps but is likely to return in March, though starting positions in Pochettino’s preferred two-man defensive midfield are not guaranteed. Tanner Tessman has been getting regular playtime, and Sebastian Berhalter performed notably well recently. Roldan and Aidan Morris are also vying for positions.
The successful return of Gio Reyna this month reestablishes him as a contender in attacking midfield. Pulisic, Tim Weah, and Weston McKennie are expected to make their comebacks, while a healthy Malik Tillman likely competes for a call-up in March. Pochettino has also brought in Diego Luna and seems to favor Brendan Aaronson as a second-half substitute. The status of Yunus Moussa, Johnny Cardoso, and Alex Zendejas remains uncertain.
advertisement
Forward: Folarin Balogun has solidified his spot as Pochettino’s top striker and will maintain that role unless his performance slips at Monaco. Haji Wright will support Balogun, scoring consistently for club and country. Ricardo Pepi, the lone outfield player who didn’t start in the November camp, needs to enhance his standing at PSV Eindhoven to secure another call-up. Patrick Agyeman, who missed this camp, might rejoin in March, while Josh Sargent’s national team future looks precarious unless Norwich City turns around their fortunes.
Pochettino’s aim this year was to cultivate competition for starting roles and roster spots. He has succeeded in this endeavor, implementing a formation with wing-backs alongside three center-backs. His high-pressing tactics created turnovers that led to significant scoring opportunities (as seen in Saturday’s winner and Tuesday’s third goal).
advertisement
In summary, the outlook is promising.
“We ended the year strongly, and I believe the players are pleased,” Luna noted. “As this chapter closes, whoever gets called in March will have their last chance to impress before we gather again. That sets the standard we need to uphold.”
Fan Take: This news is significant for soccer enthusiasts as it showcases the U.S. team’s growth and cohesion leading into a crucial World Cup year. With emerging talents and a clear direction under Pochettino, fans should feel optimistic about the team’s prospects on the international stage.
