Mauricio Pochettino Concludes USMNT Search, Emphasizes Form and Fitness in World Cup Selection Criteria

As the deadline approaches for finalizing his World Cup roster, U.S. national team coach Mauricio Pochettino confirmed on Thursday that after assessing around 70 players over the last 16 months, the chance for new candidates to be included is minimal. Nevertheless, the selection process to trim the list down to 26 for the upcoming North American Soccer Festival is ongoing.

The last opportunity to evaluate players live will come in a significant friendly against Belgium and Portugal in Atlanta during the last week of March.

advertisement

The long-anticipated World Cup roster release is scheduled for late May. While the players chosen for the March matches will provide important insights, Pochettino warned that it won’t reveal everything about the final selections.

“It’s true that we’re getting closer to the World Cup,” Pochettino stated during a video conference with journalists on Thursday. “Adding new players will definitely be challenging because time is running out. However, we have spent a year and a half evaluating the talent and we feel confident in our assessment. Now, we just need the players to be in peak condition and make the right choices.”

Pochettino is set to announce his upcoming training squad on March 17, just six days before practices commence in suburban Atlanta. While many selections appear straightforward, he has previously opted to leave some high-profile players out of the training camps over the past year.

Injuries also pose a concern. Most regular players are in good health, but a few are recovering from injuries. Notably, Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams is rehabbing a knee issue, making it a race against time to be ready for the March training camp. However, he will still be strongly considered for a World Cup spot even if he has to miss camp.

advertisement

Striker Ricardo Pepi, who has more to prove than Adams, is aiming to recover quickly from a forearm fracture that interrupted his successful stint with PSV Eindhoven. Reports indicate Pepi is also a transfer target in England.

“We’ll see how he recovers and performs when he returns,” Pochettino said regarding Pepi, who is one of several strikers vying for three spots on the World Cup roster. “He’s certainly on our radar, and we hope he returns to full fitness.”

No matter who participates in March, Pochettino is eager for the team to begin transitioning towards the World Cup.

“March is a significant time,” he noted. “Our goal is to demonstrate our identity and style of play as we approach the World Cup, similar to what we showcased in the last camp (in the fall).”

advertisement

The United States built momentum towards the end of 2025 by defeating four World Cup-qualified teams (Japan, Australia, Paraguay, and Uruguay) and tying with Ecuador. The final match of 2025 was a standout performance as Pochettino’s team thrashed Uruguay 5-1 in Tampa.

The four-month gap before the next international window has come at an unfortunate moment.

“The way we ended 2025 leaves us eager to play again next week and leverage the positive form and confidence within the squad,” Pochettino commented. “It’s tough to be away from coaching and player evaluations during this time. We thrive on being out on the field.”

Though Pochettino and his coaching staff have not held any camps during this period, they have been meticulously tracking players amidst the European club season. Meanwhile, prospects from Major League Soccer are just starting to regain their fitness for the preseason.

advertisement

Pochettino remarked that players returning from offseason breaks might not necessarily be at a disadvantage for the March call-up. “If we don’t have a game, they might compensate with fresh energy,” he said. “They’ve had a chance to rest and recharge fully.”

While the MLS regular season is set to start on February 21, some clubs will begin early as part of the Concacaf Champions Cup.

It has been reported that a key MLS player is poised to make a move to Europe soon. Alex Freeman, a right-back, is expected to leave Orlando City to join Villarreal in Spain’s La Liga. Such a transfer close to the World Cup carries risk, as Freeman could jeopardize his place on the U.S. roster if he doesn’t play regularly at his new club.

advertisement

Pochettino mentioned that Freeman reached out to him for advice regarding the impending transfer.

“I’m not overly concerned about players transitioning during the window,” Pochettino stated. “What matters is that the player is content and feels comfortable. They aspire to improve and take on new challenges, and it’s essential for us to support them as they adapt without losing focus.”