Pochettino Emphasizes Challenge and Competition in USMNT Roster Announcement: A New Era of Opportunity and Struggle
The United States Men's National Team (USMNT) is preparing for a series of friendlies before the CONCACAF Gold Cup, and head coach Mauricio Pochettino has a clear message for his players: Get ready for a challenge. In a recent announcement, the USMNT roster for the June international window was revealed, featuring a mix of new and returning players, with some big names missing due to injuries, coach's decisions, and the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. Pochettino has emphasized the importance of creating a culture of challenge within the team. He mentioned that he is excited to bring in different players, including those making their USMNT debuts, who can try to "challenge" established players and push for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. "I think it's important to create this challenge," he said. Despite the team's recent back-to-back losses in the CONCACAF Nations League, Pochettino is opening up the possibility that any member of the core could lose their spot in the next year. He believes that even with all the names on the roster, the team didn't perform to its potential and that it's crucial to provide new players with the opportunity to challenge and take a place in the team. Players will arrive at camp on June 1, where Pochettino says they'll start off with a conversation about "the possibility to defend your place." He emphasized that being in the national team is not a guarantee of a spot and that players need to fight, show the right attitude, perform, be brave, and follow the rules set in the group. Since taking over the national team, Pochettino has been open to providing opportunities for players who are not part of the USMNT core. The June roster includes several notable first-time call-ups, such as Orlando City defender Alex Freeman, Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan, FC Köln forward Damion Downs, and Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, the son of former USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter. Pochettino has made it clear that no spot is safe for the 2026 World Cup. The current roster will have a chance to prove themselves at two friendlies before the Gold Cup, with a friendly against Turkey on June 7 and one against Switzerland on June 10. After that, the US will move on to the Gold Cup, with the first group stage match on June 15.
- Goalkeepers (4): Matt Freese (New York City FC), Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew), Zack Steffen (Colorado Rapids), Matt Turner (Crystal Palace/ENG)
- Defenders (8): Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven/NED), Alex Freeman (Orlando City), DeJuan Jones (San Jose Earthquakes), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse/FRA), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace/ENG), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati)
- Midfielders (10): Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United/ENG), Tyler Adams (Bournemouth/ENG), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps/CAN), Johnny Cardoso (Real Betis/ESP), Luca de la Torre (San Diego FC), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake), Jack McGlynn (Houston Dynamo), Quinn Sullivan (Philadelphia Union), Malik Tillman (PSV Eindhoven/NED), Sean Zawadzki
