Kristina Roberts
The US Men’s National Team (USMNT) is going through a big change under head coach Mauricio Pochettino. The latest roster announcement shows that Pochettino is serious about building a new culture in the team. He has left out many well-known players, including star Christian Pulisic, and instead called up fresh faces who are eager to prove themselves. Pochettino’s message is clear—no player’s place is guaranteed, and everyone must fight for their spot.
The team’s recent performances have not been great, with back-to-back losses in the CONCACAF Nations League in March. Pochettino is not happy with how things have been going, and he wants to change that. He believes the only way to improve is by creating competition within the team. Players who want to be part of the 2026 World Cup squad must show hunger, discipline, and a strong work ethic.
In a recent press conference, Pochettino explained his thinking. “I think it’s important to create this challenge,” he said. “When you are in the national team now, it’s not just about replacing others who think their place is safe. No, you have the chance to defend your spot. How you do that is what matters. You need to fight, show the right attitude, perform well, be brave, and follow the team’s rules.”
Pochettino is giving opportunities to players who have never been called up before. Some of the new names include Orlando City defender Alex Freeman, Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan, FC Köln forward Damion Downs, and Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Sebastian Berhalter—son of former USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter. The coach believes that if these players perform well, they can earn a permanent place in the squad.
“It’s about not wasting your chance when you get it,” Pochettino said. “From the past few camps, many players took their opportunity and proved they deserve to stay. They performed well not just in training but also for their clubs afterward.”
But Pochettino’s message goes beyond just giving new players a chance. He wants to change the entire mindset of the team. He made it clear that being in the national team is not about having a good time—it’s about hard work and focus.
“Some people might think this roster is a way to punish certain players or send them a message,” he said. “But what we really want is to have players who are desperate to be here—not just to wear the jersey, but to perform at their best. That means following the rules, creating a positive atmosphere, and meeting the high standards we set. They need to understand that every camp could be their last chance if they don’t take it seriously.”
Pochettino stressed that the team cannot afford to waste time. With the 2026 World Cup just a year away, every training session and every match matters. “We don’t have time to relax,” he said. “If players come to camp just to enjoy themselves, play golf, visit family, or hang out with friends, then that’s not the culture we want. We need everyone to be fully focused on winning. If we want to be ready for the World Cup, we have to start now. We can’t wait and say, ‘We’ll fix things later.’ By then, it will be too late.”
The new-look USMNT will play two friendly matches before the CONCACAF Gold Cup. They will face Turkey on June 7 and Switzerland on June 10. After that, the Gold Cup begins, with their first group stage match on June 15. These games will be a big test for the young and inexperienced squad.
Pochettino’s approach might surprise some fans, especially with so many key players missing. But he is thinking long-term. He wants to build a team that is hungry, disciplined, and ready to compete at the highest level. For him, talent alone is not enough—players must show passion and commitment every time they step onto the field.
The next few months will be crucial for the USMNT. Players who perform well in the friendlies and the Gold Cup could secure their spots for the World Cup. Those who don’t step up might find themselves left out. Pochettino is not afraid to make tough decisions, and he is sending a strong message: the USMNT is no longer a team where big names can relax. Everyone must fight for their place.
Fans will be watching closely to see how the team responds. Will the new players rise to the occasion? Will the missing stars come back stronger? One thing is certain—Pochettino is determined to build a winning culture, and he won’t accept anything less than 100% effort. The journey to the 2026 World Cup starts now, and only the most dedicated players will make it there.
