USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino has called for a fundamental shift in the American national team's mindset as preparations intensify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Speaking ahead of his first roster announcement since signing a new four-year deal last month, Pochettino directly referenced Christian Pulisic's decision to skip the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup as an example of thinking that must change.
What did Pochettino say about the team's mindset?
Pochettino, who took over from Gregg Berhalter in the fall of 2024, was blunt in his assessment. "It was difficult to make the roster for the Gold Cup one year before because the mindset was different," he told reporters this week. "You say, 'If I play, I have no holidays. I cannot arrive fresh for the World Cup.'... You know now that is bull----." The coach emphasized that building a competitive group requires full commitment. "We need to create a group of players that (are) really being professional and compete in the way that we expect that they need to compete," Pochettino added.
His comments come as he prepares to name his squad on September 17 for a critical series of friendlies. The United States will face Peru on September 26 in Orlando, Florida, then Chile on September 29 in St. Louis. A high-profile clash with Mexico follows on October 3 in Glendale, Arizona, before concluding against Canada on October 6 in St. Paul, Minnesota. These matches serve as vital preparation for the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals in November, a key checkpoint on the road to 2026. Fans can track the team's complete schedule on our fixtures page.
How is Pulisic's situation influencing selection?
Pochettino's pointed reference to Pulisic highlights the complex balance between club and country. The star attacker chose to rest after his season with AC Milan last summer rather than participate in the Gold Cup, aiming to be fresh for the World Cup. However, his club form has been inconsistent since. After scoring 10 goals in his first 15 matches for Milan, Pulisic went scoreless in 19 club games after December 28. He then suffered a fractured right tibia and fibula during the United States' round of 16 loss to Belgium on July 6, having already missed one group-stage match with a calf injury. This season, he has been an unused substitute in AC Milan's first three Serie A matches.
This context informs Pochettino's broader philosophy. He wants to change the habits of coaches who keep young players with their clubs during international breaks. The manager indicated he is willing to give national team debuts to promising talents before they focus on the under-23 team, which will be coached by Steve Cherundolo ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Which players are in contention for the upcoming roster?
Pochettino's selection plans involve both integrating new faces and recalling familiar ones. Young players like 16-year-old Philadelphia Union midfielder Cavan Sullivan could be included for possible debuts. Conversely, 19-year-old Crystal Palace winger Zavier Gozo might be left off to allow time to settle after his summer transfer. The coach expressed uncertainty about midfielder Sebastian Berhalter and defender Max Arfsten, who both recently transferred to Middlesbrough.
Players dropped from the previous World Cup roster, such as midfielders Diego Luna, Tanner Tessmann, and Aidan Morris, could earn recalls. Pochettino also intends to telephone striker Folarin Balogun, whose proposed transfer from Monaco to Everton collapsed last week. One lingering question involves Augsburg defender Noahkai Banks, who still hasn't decided whether to represent the United States or Germany. The full composition of the squad will be available on our squad page after the September 17 announcement.
What does this mean for World Cup preparation?
The upcoming friendlies represent Pochettino's first matches since securing his long-term contract. His approach signals a clear break from past cycles, prioritizing consistent national team involvement over calculated rest periods. Building a cohesive unit with the right competitive edge is now the explicit goal, with every window treated as essential. The manager's challenge is to instill this new mentality while navigating player fitness, club commitments, and integrating emerging talent.
The United States begins its final stretch of World Cup preparation with the friendly against Peru at Exploria Stadium in Orlando on September 26.
