The latest U.S. men’s national team roster was revealed on Thursday morning ahead of the team’s matches this summer, and it looked a lot different than previous ones.
While several changes were forced, head coach Mauricio Pochettino made it clear he wanted to evaluate different players and stir more competition for spots on the 2026 World Cup roster.
“Sometimes we give too much importance knowing to be together, and sometimes the group, maybe sometimes doesn’t work in this way, or build in this way. I think the every single circumstance, I think we need to consider it, because still one year to be in the World Cup is true, that is possible that to me, is an opportunity to have all the players that maybe you have in your head thinking in one year,” Pochettino said on Thursday. “But I think in the same time, it’s so exciting to see different players, young players, players that maybe are going to make the debut in the national team. People that maybe can challenge different names that everyone considers that maybe is going to arrive to the World Cup. I think it’s important to create this challenge.”
Here’s what’s different about the 27 players Pochettino has called up for upcoming friendlies against Turkey on June 7 and Switzerland on June 10 ahead of the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup – and what to make of the squad.
Joseph Lowery
Who’s missing
Let’s start by addressing who is not on this roster, which has understandably driven the initial discourse around the team.
