As the clock relentlessly ticks down to the 2026 World Cup, an air of both anticipation and strategic ambiguity surrounds the United States Men`s National Team. The recent squad announcement for the September international friendlies against South Korea and Japan has sparked considerable discussion, not just for who made the cut, but for those conspicuously absent. This period, less than 300 days before the tournament kicks off on home soil, is proving to be a critical, albeit sometimes perplexing, chapter in USMNT`s journey under head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
The Return of the Prodigal Son (and Other Key Figures)
The headline act, undoubtedly, is the return of Christian Pulisic. After a much-needed break from the Gold Cup to rest and recuperate, the AC Milan star is back, bringing with him the creative spark and big-game experience that the USMNT often desperately needs. His presence is a clear signal of intent: when it matters, Pulisic is expected to lead the charge. Joining him are other crucial figures whose return bolsters key areas:
- Sergiño Dest: Back from an ACL injury and integrated with PSV, Dest`s return is a welcome sight. His attacking prowess from the fullback position is precisely what Pochettino`s system thrives on, offering width and dynamic overlapping runs. This could significantly unlock defenses in tandem with players like Tim Weah and Pulisic, elevating the team`s offensive flow.
- Josh Sargent: Filling a central striker role, Sargent`s return provides a focal point upfront, notably in place of Folarin Balogun for this particular window. His inclusion suggests Pochettino is actively evaluating various profiles for the crucial number nine position.
The Calculated Omission: Weston McKennie`s Absence
Perhaps the most talked-about decision, however, is the exclusion of Weston McKennie. A consistent presence for the national team with 60 caps, his absence from a regular camp since September 2024 is startling. Pochettino`s reasoning offers a glimpse into his strategic thinking: McKennie`s capabilities are well-known, and a “disjointed preseason” due to Juventus`s Club World Cup duties provided an opportune moment to assess other midfielders.
This isn`t necessarily a punitive measure or a closed door, but rather a calculated gamble. Pochettino is leveraging McKennie`s established standing to explore the depths of his “roster of 65 players.” It`s a pragmatic approach, where the known commodity takes a backseat to allow for scouting and integration of emerging talents. A touch of irony, perhaps, for a player who, just months ago, seemed indispensable – now he’s so proficient, he gets to refine his skills from a distance while others make their case. Or perhaps, the coach merely has a different puzzle in mind for these particular pieces.
Deep Dive into the Player Pool: A Pochettino Signature
Pochettino`s philosophy of exploring every option is evident throughout the squad. This camp sees several players with fewer than ten caps, and four could potentially earn their very first. In the goalkeeper department, Matt Freese is the only one with prior international experience among the three selected, signaling a complete reset with Matt Turner and Zack Steffen also omitted. This radical shift indicates a thorough, almost forensic, examination of the talent available.
This expansive approach, while commendable for its thoroughness, does raise questions about squad cohesion. Building chemistry in international football is already a challenge, let alone when key positions are in constant flux. However, Pochettino emphasizes the need to assess players` performance:
“For me, all the players are important. The individual situations are important, and to analyze and make the decisions and have a plan for them… it`s for them to perform and for us to select the best players to make a roster with a good balance.”
This statement underscores a meritocratic, performance-driven selection process, even if it means familiar faces are occasionally rotated out. It`s a high-stakes audition where every training session and minute on the pitch counts, especially for those vying for a coveted spot in the World Cup squad.
The Road to 2026: An Unsettled Picture
With just 289 days until the World Cup kicks off on North American soil, the USMNT squad remains notably unsettled. Only six players from the 2022 World Cup squad feature in this September selection. This continuous rotation, while designed to identify the optimal lineup, could pose significant challenges in developing the kind of ingrained understanding and tactical fluidity essential for a deep tournament run. The search for the ideal blend of talent and teamwork is a complex equation Pochettino is still solving.
The October window, with matches against Ecuador and Australia, will likely offer further insights into Pochettino`s evolving core. Until then, fans and analysts alike will be scrutinizing every pass, tackle, and goal, trying to decipher the master plan that, for now, remains delightfully (or frustratingly) opaque.
This phase is not just about winning friendlies; it`s about laying the foundation for a World Cup campaign on home turf. Pochettino`s bold decisions are shaping the narrative, and whether these calculated gambles ultimately pay off will define his legacy with the USMNT.
