Inside USMNT's bizarre World Cup roster announcements and all the backlash

Hershey’s Christian Pulisic on US World Cup roster

NEW YORK — Tim Ream was filled with anxiety, right up until 1 p.m. Friday. “Leaving the training ground and walking to my car with a box full of bobbleheads to take home to my kids,” the 38-year-old defender recalled, “my WhatsApp started to go a little bit crazy.” Ream was among 26 players who received a video in a group chat from Sam Zapata, the US national team administrative manager, informing those selected for the World Cup roster. “Guys, …

Inside USMNT's bizarre World Cup roster announcements and all the backlash

USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino finalized his World Cup roster on Tuesday, but how he let the team know has drawn backlash

USMNT’s Mauricio Pochettino defends World Cup roster picks, unusual communication style

NEW YORK – U.S. national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino defended his “painful” squad selection for the World Cup and style of communication after the official unveiling of the 26-man roster on Tuesday.

Pochettino defends not phoning axed US players

United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino has defended the way he informed players about their inclusion or omission from his 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following criticism over his communication approach.

Sleepless Nights, Group Chats and Big Decisions: Inside Poch’s Roster Selection

It’s finally here! This week, the US Men’s National Team World Cup roster was officially announced. These 26 players will carry the hopes and dreams of a nation. On this episode U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel, host Meghan Klingenberg sits down with USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino to talk about how it felt to tell the players they made the team, what goes into building and roster, and what characteristics knit this group together. A…

Three Interesting Quotes From Mauricio Pochettino's Roster Reveal Presser

U.S. Men's National Team head coach Mauricio Pochettino spoke to the media after unveiling his 26-man roster on Tuesday. Here's what stuck out to me.Communication DramaSoon after the USMNT roster leaked, it was revealed that Pochettino didn't make individual calls to those who weren't on the roster, instead opting for an email.When asked about this, Pochettino said:"I was a player. When I didn't make the roster, I didn't want my coach [to] call …