Pochettino Unveils Bold Strategy to Shield USMNT from World Cup Devastation and Jersey-Burning Fury
Mauricio Pochettino is determined to minimize emotional pain for U.S. men's national team players when he announces his final roster before the official 2026 World Cup squad selection.
Unlike many coaches who invite additional players for final evaluations during pre-tournament camps, Pochettino aims to spare players from such disappointment. Therefore, he has pledged not to overload the June roster, keeping it as similar as possible to his ultimate World Cup selection to prevent unnecessary letdowns.
"I believe from the start, if you announce those 26 players, it's a surprise, but this approach—you can accept it. However, being included and then sent home afterward, I think that's more harsh," he explained to media representatives this week.
"For me, it would be simpler to invite more than 26 players, but I must consider the human aspect and emotions, and not be heartless," Pochettino continued. "You practice, you practice, and you practice. Then you go home. It's difficult."
Pochettino Ready to Break Trend Set by Predecessors
The final eliminations from pre-tournament training camps to the ultimate roster have created major problems for the USMNT previously. In 2014, Landon Donovan confessed to crying after Jürgen Klinsmann removed him from the final squad for Brazil, and Jeff Agoos notably destroyed his uniform when Bora Milutinović dropped him in 1994, the previous occasion when the U.S. hosted the World Cup.
This approach may prove challenging for the Argentine coach, however, particularly given that he has selected 71 different players since assuming the head coaching role in autumn 2024. Nevertheless, with a transition to a three-defender formation in recent matches and some steady displays, his optimal squad might be taking shape.
"I believe the top priority is the intensity and energy and team spirit that we demonstrated in this match," commented World Cup candidate Gio Reyna following the Stars and Stripes' latest 2–1 victory over Paraguay.
"We possess significant talent across the pitch. So when we begin with intensity and unite our efforts, we're confident we can compete with many teams."
The U.S. may schedule two exhibition matches during the June pre-World Cup period and will also compete twice in the March international break. They conclude their 2025 schedule against Uruguay on Tuesday night.