Bold Gold Cup Roster

Pochettino Signals Cultural Reset Before the Last Tournament Before the World Cup

Mauricio Pochettino has delivered a clear message to the United States men's national team: no player's World Cup spot is guaranteed. The Argentine coach's 27-player roster for upcoming friendlies against Turkey and Switzerland, which serves as preparation for the Gold Cup, conspicuously omits several established stars while opening doors for fresh talent.

Most notably absent is Christian Pulisic, who requested time off after logging over 3,500 minutes in a grueling European season while battling nagging injuries, including a chronic hip flexor problem. Other core players missing include Weston McKennie, Timothy Weah, Giovanni Reyna, Antonee Robinson, and Yunus Musah due to various factors, including Club World Cup commitments and injury concerns.

Rather than viewing these absences as setbacks, Pochettino frames them as opportunities. "I think it's important to create this challenge," he stated, emphasizing that newcomers must be "desperate to come, to perform" and understand this could be their "last possibility to be with us."

The roster features five uncapped players, including intriguing first-time call-ups like Orlando City defender Alex Freeman (son of NFL legend Antonio Freeman), Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Sebastian Berhalter (son of former USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter), FC Köln forward Damion Downs, and Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan.

Pochettino's philosophy centers on cultivating a winning culture where players arrive at camp entirely focused on national team duties. He has explicitly rejected any complacent attitudes, demanding total commitment from the first day of training camp.

With Major League Soccer providing 16 players—the highest number for a FIFA window since 2023—this roster represents both opportunity and warning. As the 2026 World Cup approaches on home soil, Pochettino is reshaping team culture while challenging every player to earn their place through performance and dedication rather than past accomplishments.