Pochettino Shocks Soccer World with Four Dark Horse Picks for USMNT's 2026 World Cup Squad
United States men's national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino highlighted several peripheral players who have made compelling cases for inclusion in the 2026 World Cup squad.
Following their first matches since falling to Mexico in the Gold Cup final, Pochettino guided his team through two international friendlies against South Korea and Japan. The USMNT appeared concerningly disconnected during a 2–0 loss to Son Heung-min's squad before producing a significantly enhanced showing versus Japan.
A bold tactical shift to a 3-4-2-1 formation sparked a much more unified performance that secured the World Cup co-hosts a well-earned 2–0 victory. Pochettino resolved issues with Christian Pulisic to bring back the team's clear star player, while this tactical adjustment allowed four lesser-known players to excel.
Alex Zendejas
Following several squandered opportunities in the first 20 minutes, Alex Zendejas opened the scoring for the home side with a beautifully executed volley into the lower corner. This marked the Club América striker's second international goal in his 13th cap.
The Mexico-born attacker—who represented his birth nation twice before changing allegiances in 2023—earned Player of the Match honors against Japan while functioning alongside Pulisic as one of two attacking midfielders behind Folarin Balogun. As Pochettino confirmed afterward: "He's competing for a spot in the World Cup squad."
Max Arfsten
Pochettino was particularly enthusiastic when discussing Max Arfsten. Typically utilized as a wide player for Columbus Crew, the left-footed defender has earned the majority of his international appearances at left-back in a four-man backline. The transition to 3-4-2-1 enabled Arfsten to advance to wing-back, where he excelled.
"He's a player we've believed in from the beginning," Pochettino enthused, "because I observe his approach, his mentality, his character. The qualities he possesses as a footballer. It's a combination we truly appreciate and admire. He's extremely intelligent, a very astute individual."
Alex Freeman
The September international window was promoted as Sergiño Dest's much-anticipated comeback following his ACL injury, yet it was his competitor at right-back Alex Freeman who impressed Pochettino. The tall Orlando defender received recognition from the Argentine manager who appreciated a display that combined hard work with technical skill.
Freeman served as the primary fullback during the Gold Cup campaign, and Dest faces a challenging task to force his way back into that starting lineup.
Cristian Roldan
Prior to this month's international fixtures, Cristian Roldán's most recent appearance came during the 2023 Gold Cup semifinal. The 30-year-old midfielder has developed into a consistent starter for Seattle Sounders and led the team to an impressive Leagues Cup final triumph over Lionel Messi's Inter Miami earlier this month.
Roldán brought that same level of leadership and confidence into another solid display partnering with Tyler Adams in midfield.
Serious questions surrounded Pochettino after the lackluster performance in another loss to elite opposition following the South Korea result. Nevertheless, the Argentine maintained his composure on Tuesday.
"I remain completely calm, you know, committed to our approach and moving forward," Pochettino smiled. "What matters most is the development process. What's crucial is that whether we win or lose today, it's about progression. It's about players truly buying into our methods, respecting us as we respect them."