2026 World Cup: USMNT Squad Projection Under Pochettino's Leadership

Michael

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Post on Jun 16, 2025

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2026 World Cup: Projecting the USMNT Squad Under Pochettino's Reign

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, a joint venture hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, is just around the corner. With the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as head coach of the United States Men's National Team (USMNT), speculation is rife about the potential squad he'll assemble for this historic tournament. This article projects a likely USMNT roster for the 2026 World Cup, considering Pochettino's tactical preferences and the current crop of American talent.

Pochettino's Impact: A Tactical Shift?

Pochettino's arrival marks a significant shift for the USMNT. Known for his high-pressing, possession-based style and emphasis on youth development, he's likely to bring a more dynamic and fluid attacking approach than previous iterations of the team. This projection reflects that anticipated change, prioritizing players who excel in his preferred system. His experience with young, talented players at Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain suggests he will integrate new talent seamlessly, offering a fresh perspective on the national team. This could mean a departure from some established names, and the elevation of promising youngsters to key roles.

Goalkeepers:

• Matt Turner (Arsenal): A consistent performer in the Premier League, Turner’s experience and reliability make him a near-certain starter.
• Ethan Horvath (Luton Town): Horvath provides valuable backup and has proven his capability at the international level.
• Gabriel Slonina (Chelsea): A young, exciting prospect, Slonina’s potential could see him earn a spot in the squad as a future star.

Defenders:

• Sergiño Dest (AC Milan/ Barcelona): Dest's attacking prowess from the full-back position perfectly complements Pochettino's style.
• Antonee Robinson (Fulham): A consistent performer at left-back, offering both defensive solidity and attacking contributions.
• Miles Robinson (Atlanta United): Assuming a full recovery from injury, Robinson's leadership and defensive capabilities are crucial.
• Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic): His experience and defensive solidity at Celtic make him a strong candidate.
• John Brooks (Benfica): With experience in major tournaments, Brooks provides a sturdy center-back option.

Midfielders:

• Weston McKennie (Juventus/Leeds United): McKennie's box-to-box energy and ability to win the ball back makes him vital.
• Yunus Musah (AC Milan): Musah's technical ability and versatility are perfect assets for Pochettino’s system.
• Tyler Adams (Bournemouth): While injury concerns exist, Adams' leadership and defensive midfield abilities would be a significant addition if fit.
• Luca de la Torre (Celta Vigo): De la Torre's passing range and tactical intelligence make him a strong option in midfield.
• Giovanni Reyna (Borussia Dortmund): Reyna’s creativity and goal-scoring ability will be highly sought after.

Forwards:

• Christian Pulisic (AC Milan): Pulisic's pace and attacking flair, if injury-free, will likely solidify his place in the squad.
• Timothy Weah (Lille): Weah's pace, direct running, and ability to play multiple forward roles makes him a key component.
• Ricardo Pepi (Augsburg): Pepi's improvement and prolific goalscoring could seal his place in the team.
• Josh Sargent (Norwich City): Sargent's physicality and goalscoring could be invaluable.
• Brandon Vazquez (FC Cincinnati): Vazquez’s recent form has made him a serious contender for a spot.

Emerging Talents to Watch:

Several young players could break into the squad based on their performances over the next few years. Players like Alejandro Zendejas, and Cade Cowell are certainly worth keeping a close eye on.

Conclusion:

This projection reflects a potential USMNT squad under Pochettino, emphasizing his likely tactical preferences and the current talent pool. The actual squad will undoubtedly depend on player form, injuries, and Pochettino’s assessment of the players over the coming years. While many veterans might remain, the 2026 World Cup offers a unique opportunity to witness the emergence of a new generation of American soccer stars under Pochettino's innovative guidance. This is undoubtedly an exciting time for US soccer fans! What are your thoughts on this projected squad? Share your predictions in the comments below!