Pochettino Drops Bombshell: Star Players Pulisic and McKennie Axed from USMNT November Roster
The United States men's national soccer team has only three international breaks remaining before they begin the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Los Angeles this coming June, yet manager Mauricio Pochettino has not yet assembled a complete roster of his top players.
After accepting the position in September 2024, Pochettino has struggled in the Concacaf Nations League and Concacaf Gold Cup competitions, recording an overall mark of 12-1-7.
Despite recent positive signs, including an unbeaten streak of three matches against Japan, Ecuador and Australia, significant work remains before the USMNT considers itself prepared for next year's tournament jointly hosted by Canada and Mexico.
This context made his November roster selections particularly noteworthy, as he excluded several crucial players anticipated to feature in the World Cup lineup.
Notable absences due to tactical decisions and injuries included Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah, Weston McKennie, Malik Tillman, Antonee Robinson, Yunus Musah, Matt Turner and Johnny Cordoso. Additionally, defender Chris Richards was omitted from the squad during an ongoing dispute between Pochettino and Richards's Crystal Palace coach, Olivier Glasner.
Pulisic Remains with AC Milan
The USMNT's most crucial player, Pulisic, has been sidelined since sustaining a hamstring injury during the previous international fixture, a 2–1 victory over Australia in Commerce City, Colorado, on Oct. 14. The AC Milan attacker began that contest but departed early following an unfortunate collision with Australia's Jason Geria.
Pulisic has been absent from AC Milan's last four fixtures after beginning the campaign with four Serie A goals and six across all competitions, though he is anticipated to gradually return to action as his recovery progresses.
"It makes perfect sense not to select a player who might be returning from an injury," Pochettino explained. "It allows him the opportunity to recover completely, be at full strength and be prepared to compete after international duty with his club. That's logical thinking. We never put players at risk."
McKennie Concentrates on Troubled Juventus
Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie was similarly excluded from the roster during a difficult period for the Serie A club. Currently positioned sixth in the standings, the Turin side dismissed manager Igor Tudor and appointed experienced tactician Luciano Spalletti, giving McKennie a fresh opportunity to make an impression.
"With a new manager joining the club, you can observe that Weston is featuring in every match," Pochettino noted.
"I believe these upcoming weeks, with the opportunity for the new manager to work with his players and compete, it's crucial for Weston to remain there and attempt to persuade the coaching staff that 'Continue selecting me.' I think that's more valuable than potentially being with us, don't you agree?"
Pochettino Expresses Displeasure with Crystal Palace
The Argentine coach also addressed Glasner's remarks regarding Richards's participation in the October friendlies. The Crystal Palace manager expressed that it was "disappointing" that the defender had featured, considering the matches were non-competitive.
"We engaged in extensive discussions about that situation, but I believe the player's welfare must always come first," Pochettino stated. "Following the camp in Denver, we chose not to select him. We're already familiar with his leadership qualities within the team, but the most crucial aspect now is giving him the chance to play, to regain form at his club, and avoid unnecessary risks."
In a separate interview with talkSPORT, Pochettino commented: "I am quite disappointed with Oliver because we consistently show respect and we, as the coaching team, respect both the player and the clubs. I recognize that coaches sometimes voice concerns about the national team. Perhaps one day if he finds himself in my role as a national team coach, he might better comprehend these types of situations."
The USMNT will meet Paraguay on Nov. 15 in Philadelphia, followed by a match against Uruguay on Nov. 18 in Tampa to conclude their 2025 calendar, before participating in four or five exhibition matches prior to their World Cup debut.