USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino is sending a strong message to the team’s key players: prepare for competition.
On Thursday, US Soccer revealed the roster for the national team’s upcoming matches, which will serve as a final preparation before the Concacaf Gold Cup. Similar to previous selections, Pochettino is providing more opportunities for uncapped players, resulting in a roster filled with fresh faces.
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However, this lineup doesn’t feature a significant number of established stars. Christian Pulisic is taking a break for rest, while other prominent players like Antonee Robinson, Weston McKennie, and Tim Weah are absent due to various factors, including injuries, coaching decisions, and commitments to the FIFA Club World Cup.
While these justifications for missing out may seem reasonable, Pochettino made it clear that he is implementing a cultural reset for the USMNT. During a press conference on Thursday, he expressed excitement about welcoming new talents, including those making their national team debuts and others looking to challenge the players typically seen as locked in for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“Creating this challenge is crucial,” he stated.
Pochettino’s early time overseeing the national team faced difficulties, highlighted by consecutive defeats in the Concacaf Nations League in March. While clearly dissatisfied with some recent outcomes, he emphasized that established core players should be wary of losing their positions in the coming year.
“I think most would agree that we didn’t perform well,” Pochettino noted. “The focus should be on giving new players the chance to challenge themselves and potentially earn a spot.
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The team will convene on June 1st, and Pochettino indicated they would begin discussions on “the importance of safeguarding your spot.”
“Being on the national team now means you are not just here to fill a role (even if that may be the case). You are here to protect your position,” Pochettino told the players at the camp. “Protecting your place requires effort, the right attitude, and adherence to our group’s standards.”
“This is vital for us,” he added. “The players should aim to compete fairly against a diverse group of individuals who may not currently be a part of this team.
US head coach Mauricio Pochettino gestures during Concacaf Nations League matches against Canada. (Alexis Quiroz/Getty Images)
(Jam Media via Getty Images)
Since taking charge, Pochettino has been keen to offer chances to players outside the traditional USMNT core. The latest roster includes several first-time selections, such as Orlando City’s Alex Freeman, Philadelphia Union’s Quin Sullivan, FC Cologne’s Damion Downs, and Vancouver Whitecaps players, including Sebastian Belharter, son of former USMNT coach Greg Berhalter.
“When the opportunity arises, it’s about seizing it,” Pochettino expressed. “From previous camps in October through March, I have seen many players take that chance and prove themselves worthy to return.
However, the head coach later elaborated on whether this roster aims to send a warning to the existing USMNT core.
“Does this roster serve to caution current players? Absolutely. This requires following the rules, fostering a positive atmosphere, integrating into the team, and meeting all requirements,” Pochettino remarked.
“The process includes intense sessions followed by recovery, but the main focus should be on arriving prepared for the national team, not personal matters. As the World Cup approaches, every day matters. It’s critical to take preparation seriously and not think, ‘It’s just a year away,’ because by then it might be too late.”
“That’s why I believe adopting a different approach is essential,” Pochettino concluded.
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Pochettino emphasized that there are no guaranteed spots for the 2026 World Cup.
The current roster will have opportunities to demonstrate their value during two friendly matches before the Gold Cup, facing Turkey on June 7 and Switzerland on June 10. The US will then kick off the Gold Cup with its first group match on June 15.
Complete USMNT roster for June International Window:
(Team, caps, goals in parentheses.)
Goalkeepers (4): Matt Freese (New York City FC; 0/0), Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew; 3/0), Zach Steffen (Colorado Rapids; 30/0), Matt Turner (Crystal Palace/Eng; 51/0)
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Defenders (8): Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew; 3/0), Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven/ned; 33/2), Alex Freeman (Orlando City; 0/0), DeJuan Jones (San Jose Earthquakes; 10/0), Mark McKenzie (Troyes/Fra; 68/1), Charlotte FC (Crystal Palace/Eng; 24/1), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati; 32/3)
Midfielders (10): Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United/Eng; 47/8); Tyler Adams (Bournemouth/Eng; 44/2), Sebastian Belharter (Vancouver Whitecaps/Can; 0/0), Johnny Cardoso (Real Betis/Esp; 18/0), Luca de la Torre (San Diego FC; 24/1), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake; 4/1), Quin Sullivan (Philadelphia Union; 0/0); Malik Tillman (PSV Eindhoven/Ned; 17/0), Sean Zawadzki (Columbus Crew; 1/0)
Forwards (5): Patrick Agyemang (Charlotte FC; 4/3), Folarin Balogun (Monaco/Fra; 17/5); Damion Downs (FC Köln/Ger; 0/0), Brian White (Vancouver Whitecaps/Can; 4/1), Haji Wright (Coventry City/Eng; 15/4)
In soccer, the excitement lies in nurturing new talent and fostering competition within teams. This new approach by Pochettino not only freshens the roster but also sets the stage for a dynamic future, making fans eager to see who will rise to the occasion as the 2026 World Cup approaches.
