Mauricio Pochettino has named his first United States men’s national team roster for upcoming friendlies against Panama and Mexico, marking the beginning of his tenure as head coach. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Pochettino is looking to turn around the recent struggles of the USMNT. However, injuries have forced some key players out of the squad, including Chris Richards, Gio Reyna, and Tyler Adams.
One surprising inclusion in the roster is goalkeeper Zack Steffen, who hasn’t featured for the USMNT since March 2022. With Matt Turner currently on the bench at Crystal Palace, Steffen will have a chance to impress Pochettino and potentially earn a starting spot. Marlon Fossey, who has been performing well, will also be part of the squad.
“We know Steffen and he deserves the opportunity to be with us. Of course, we always put other circumstances when we make a decision but I think he deserved an opportunity to be with us,” Pochettino commented on Steffen’s inclusion.
Due to injuries, Pochettino had to make some last-minute changes to the roster, bringing in Tanner Tessman, Brandon Vazquez, and Alex Zendejas to replace injured players. The squad is a mix of experienced players and some with fewer caps, giving Pochettino a chance to assess the depth of the player pool before Concacaf Nations League play begins in November.
The return of Weston McKennie, Antonee Robinson, and Tim Weah will bolster the squad after they missed the last international window. Pochettino will be looking to build a strong team for the 2026 World Cup, and these players will play a crucial role.
Pochettino hinted at potential changes in the future, mentioning that he is monitoring other players who could be called up in upcoming windows. Diego Luna, a standout midfielder for Real Salt Lake, was highlighted as a promising talent for the future. Pochettino emphasized his willingness to give young players opportunities if they prove themselves at the club level.
In terms of playing style, Pochettino intends to implement both a 4-2-3-1 and a 4-3-3 formation, focusing on developing partnerships and playing an exciting, attacking style of soccer. He stressed the importance of a strong defensive effort while also being proactive in attacking play.
As Pochettino begins his tenure with the USMNT, fans can expect a mix of familiar faces and potential new additions as the team prepares for upcoming challenges on the road to the 2026 World Cup. Mauricio Pochettino, the head coach of the national team, emphasized the importance of teamwork and defensive solidity in a recent interview. He stressed the need for the players to work together both on and off the ball, highlighting the correlation between a strong defensive unit and success on the field.
“We need to show that we’re a real team, all the teams that win or have won titles when they have the ball they’ve played really well but when they don’t have the ball, they work like a team,” Pochettino explained.
His defensive principles are straightforward yet crucial for the team’s success. By instilling a sense of unity and discipline within the player pool, Pochettino aims to create a resilient defensive unit that can withstand pressure from opponents.
“We need to enjoy defending because we need to be a team who doesn’t concede many goals,” Pochettino emphasized. This mindset is essential for achieving positive results on the field, as a solid defense can often be the foundation for victory.
In the previous window, the team faced challenges against Canada and New Zealand, resulting in a loss and a draw respectively. Pochettino’s emphasis on defensive organization and teamwork is a clear indication of his strategy to avoid similar outcomes in the future.
By focusing on defensive cohesion and teamwork, Pochettino aims to create a team that is difficult to break down and resilient under pressure. This tactical approach will be something to watch for in the upcoming window, as the team looks to improve its defensive record and secure positive results.
In conclusion, Mauricio Pochettino’s emphasis on teamwork and defensive principles is a key aspect of his coaching philosophy. By instilling a sense of unity and discipline within the team, he aims to create a solid defensive unit that can withstand challenges and achieve success on the field. As the team prepares for the upcoming window, Pochettino’s strategic approach will be crucial in shaping the team’s performance and results.
