Pochettino's Tough Choices: USMNT's World Cup Squad Takes Shape
In just two weeks, Mauricio Pochettino will finalize the USMNT roster for the upcoming World Cup, a task complicated by inconsistent performances and a lack of a defined core. Over his 24 matches, he has assessed 61 players, with only six logging over 1,000 minutes. Tim Ream leads with 1,557 minutes, while Cade Cowell has the least at just 12 minutes. Key players are emerging across various positions: Goalkeepers: Matt Freese (1,260 minutes) and Matt Turner (720 minutes) lead the pack, but Freese's strong performances in the Gold Cup raise questions about Turner's spot, especially after a shaky showing against Belgium. Left-backs: Max Arfsten (1,156 minutes) is a favorite, but Antonee Robinson remains the expected starter when fit. Arfsten's offensive instincts contrast with his defensive vulnerabilities. Right-backs: Alex Freeman has surged into contention with 1,084 minutes, while Sergiño Dest's fitness issues create uncertainty around his selection. Center-backs: Ream and Chris Richards have built a reliable partnership, yet concerns about Ream's age and pace linger. Midfielders: Tyler Adams is a must-start, while others like Sebastian Berhalter and Tanner Tessmann are also in the mix. Attacking options: Christian Pulisic's form is under scrutiny, while Diego Luna and Malik Tillman have emerged as key players in Pochettino's system. Strikers: With Patrick Agyemang out due to injury, options like Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi become vital. The final roster will hinge on Pochettino’s evaluations, especially with potential surprises like Noahkai Banks looming. The pressure mounts as the June World Cup approaches.
Source: The Guardian Sport - 2026-05-12