Pochettino Faces Challenges With USMNT Roster Ahead of World Cup
Since taking the helm of the U.S. men’s national team, Mauricio Pochettino has been pressed for time, with less than two years remaining until the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the U.S. will host alongside Canada and Mexico. The lack of competitive matches during the qualifying phase has limited opportunities for him to evaluate his players effectively.
Following Pochettino’s announcement of his squad for the November international window, the effects of limited interaction with his players are becoming increasingly apparent. Injuries have beset the team, which continues to struggle in this regard. Key players who will miss out include AC Milan’s Christian Pulisic, Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards, Fulham’s Antonee Robinson, Bayer Leverkusen’s Malik Tillman, and Marseille’s Timothy Weah, all sidelined due to various injuries or recovering from ailments.
Additionally, some athletes vying for spots on the roster, such as Vancouver Whitecaps defender Tristan Blackmon, Celtic’s Cameron Carter-Vickers, and Club América’s Alejandro Zendejas, are also unavailable due to injuries.
Notable absences will challenge Pochettino in his selection process, especially as the team prepares for a critical March window leading up to the World Cup. Pochettino remains optimistic despite the challenges. He noted the team is adapting to his methods, and emphasizes the need for intelligence and effort to perform well.
“We’re not going to make excuses,” said Pochettino. “We have a clear understanding of the timeline and the issues we’ve faced with injuries. It’s crucial for us to build a strong roster capable of competing at the highest level.”
On a positive note, Ricardo Pepi is returning to the squad after a lengthy absence, energized by a last-minute equalizer against Olympiacos in the UEFA Champions League. The U.S. now has an exciting forward pool featuring Pepi, Folarin Balogun from AS Monaco, and Haji Wright from Coventry City.
Furthermore, defender Sergiño Dest makes a comeback after recovering from injury, increasing competition for spots within the team. Also noteworthy is Gio Reyna, who has struggled with injuries during his career. After transferring to Borussia Mönchengladbach, Reyna’s early games have been limited, but he managed to contribute in a recent match against St. Pauli.
Pochettino expressed a desire to understand Reyna better, seeing November as a crucial period for evaluating his potential in the squad. “Gio has tremendous talent, and while he hasn’t played much, this is an important opportunity for him,” Pochettino stated. “It’s essential to spend time with him, not just for performance reasons, but to get to know him better.”
In light of the current roster constraints, this upcoming window may represent Reyna’s best opportunity to secure a prominent role in the team and impress Pochettino. As the clock ticks down toward the World Cup, maximizing this time will be vital for both the coach and the players.n
