March is a crucial month for the over 70 players who have represented the U.S. men’s national team under the leadership of coach Mauricio Pochettino, as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup. The tournament, to be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, kicks off in June, but Pochettino won’t announce his final roster until late May. Leading up to that, the team will have key warm-up matches against Belgium and Portugal in Atlanta, though Pochettino emphasizes that these games aren’t merely exhibitions.
During a conference call, Pochettino noted, “The idea is that the World Cup starts in March.” The U.S. squad has had a solid run recently, ending 2025 with a three-game winning streak, including a significant victory over Uruguay, despite key players Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie being sidelined during the previous World Cup in Qatar, where they reached the Round of 16.
If fit, Pulisic and McKennie are anticipated to return in March, but Pochettino stresses that no spots on the World Cup roster are guaranteed. The competition for the upcoming matches is intense, even for injured players such as Cameron Carter-Vickers, Ricardo Pepi, and Tyler Adams, who must prove their fitness to be considered. Pochettino stated, “If they are unwell, they will not be in the squad for March.”
With only four exhibition games left before the U.S. opens the World Cup against Paraguay in Los Angeles on June 12, Pochettino insists each match is vital, stating, “It’s not like we only have four friendlies; we have four important World Cup games that we approach with the mindset that we need to perform.”
In player news, fullback Alex Freeman has signed with Spain’s Villarreal, marking a significant move for the rookie who played for both the MLS and the U.S. national team last year. Pochettino was asked about potential concerns regarding players transitioning to new clubs so close to the World Cup, particularly Freeman and Ricardo Pepi, who is attracting interest from Fulham. However, Pochettino expressed confidence in Freeman’s choice, emphasizing the importance of player satisfaction and well-being, saying, “I’m not worried. I always expect the best.”
As for Pepi, he is expected to be unavailable until mid-March due to injury. Pochettino is hopeful that Pepi will be fit to compete as the international break approaches, noting, “We’ll see how he comes back and starts playing and performing.”
Pochettino also praised McKennie for his impressive performance at Juventus, following a challenging time before the last roster selection. “I’m happy that our players are doing well,” he remarked, showing optimism for the team’s prospects.
Fan Take: This upcoming period is crucial for the U.S. men’s national team as they prepare for the World Cup, and the decisions made by Pochettino could define the team’s success on soccer’s biggest stage. For fans, watching how these players perform in March will not only set the tone for the tournament but could also signal a new era in American soccer that elevates the nation’s standing in the sport globally.
