Less than Year From the World Cup, US Player Pool Becomes a Game of `Survivor'
- On July 7, 2025, Mauricio Pochettino stated the U.S. national team will be highly competitive and difficult for opponents to face.
- This outlook comes after setbacks such as a consecutive four-match losing run leading up to the Gold Cup, last year’s early Copa America elimination, and a disappointing Nations League performance in March.
- Pochettino is using eight friendlies from September through March and two June send-off games to evaluate an expanded player pool after largely fielding a B squad at the Gold Cup.
- He emphasized the need to stay positive and carefully evaluate each player's situation, fitness, and performance to ensure the team is prepared for the World Cup.
- The coach’s emphasis on maintaining a positive culture requires immediate translation on the field, or players risk losing call-ups, and Pochettino urged fans to support the team despite criticism from ex-players on current dedication.
58 Articles
58 Articles
Evaluation for U.S. men’s World Cup roster begins
Now comes the U.S. national team’s version of “Survivor.” Having expanded his player pool during a CONCACAF Gold Cup that ended with a 2-1 loss to Mexico in Sunday’s final, coach Mauricio Pochettino has eight friendlies left from September through March to evaluate players to pick for the World Cup. “All the American players have the possibility,” Pochettino said. “We need analyze every single player, see the circumstances, the situations, perfo…
The United States could open a “reality show” when it comes to defining the venue for the next World Cup. After testing other players during a CONCACAF Gold Cup that ended with a 2-1 defeat to Mexico in Sunday’s final, technician Mauricio Pochettino will have eight friendly from September to March to evaluate the players he will choose for the 2026 World Cup. “All American players have the possibility,” the Argentine strategist said. “We need to…
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