More than two years into his tenure with the United States men's national team, Mauricio Pochettino appears to still be in discovery mode, even after guiding the squad through a World Cup campaign that ended in a bruising 4-1 last-16 defeat. Asked in the aftermath whether he viewed his time in charge as a success, the Argentine offered a diplomatic response, notably suggesting that he and his coaching staff had only now developed a clear picture of the depth and quality within the American player pool.
That comment raised eyebrows at the time. Pochettino was hired specifically to deliver results on the biggest stage, not to conduct a prolonged scouting exercise. Yet rather than departing after the World Cup letdown, he committed to remain in charge through 2030, and his latest squad selection suggests his evaluation process is far from finished.
For the USMNT's upcoming slate of friendlies against Canada, Mexico, Peru and Chile, Pochettino has called in a roster that includes 13 uncapped players. Strikingly, four of the team's five listed forwards have never earned a senior cap, while two additional squad members have just a single appearance to their names. The average age among the newcomers sits at just 19 years and six months, signaling a clear shift toward giving young talent a look on the international stage.
The selection also comes with notable absences. Christian Pulisic, only recently back in action for AC Milan following a leg injury sustained at the World Cup, was not included. Folarin Balogun, who has yet to feature for Monaco this season, was also left off, as was the injured Weston McKennie. While none of these omissions come as a surprise given the circumstances, they leave a leadership void that other players will need to fill.
That responsibility now falls to figures like forward Ricardo Pepi, who becomes the senior presence among a young attacking corps, as well as midfielders Sebastian Berhalter and Malik Tillman, who may be asked to guide a youthful midfield unit. Meanwhile, defender Miles Robinson, at 29, has effectively become the elder statesman of the group by default.
The upcoming matches, which Pochettino has referred to as "non-official" friendlies, are shaping up to carry more significance than typical post-World Cup exhibitions. For supporters eager to see fresh faces integrated into the setup, the timing offers a welcome opportunity to assess the next wave of American talent.
Beyond simply evaluating ability on the ball, Pochettino also seems intent on shaping the mentality of this younger core. His recent public exchange with 16-year-old call-up Cavan Sullivan echoed sentiments he has voiced before regarding the importance of attitude and professionalism among his players, including past discussions with Pulisic.
In a statement accompanying the roster announcement, Pochettino explained his approach to the new group. "This is the beginning of a fresh start for everyone and we are excited in these first matches to bring a group of experienced players along with some young talents who have great potential," he said. "It will be important that they all understand our culture, our way of working, and of course the principles of how we want to play. Most importantly, they must show the commitment to representing the country in the way our fans deserve."
Among the tests awaiting this new-look squad will be a meeting with Mexico in Phoenix, Arizona—hardly a gentle introduction for a teenager like Sullivan. As Pochettino continues shaping his long-term vision for the program, these friendlies promise to reveal much about who might carry the USMNT forward into the next cycle.
Based on reporting from The Guardian.