The US Men`s National Team is gearing up for crucial September friendlies, and if Mauricio Pochettino`s latest roster is any indication, the path to the 2026 World Cup is less of a straight line and more of a winding, exploratory expedition. With a mix of returning stars, notable omissions, and a fresh wave of talent, the USMNT is clearly in a phase of strategic flux.
The Return of the Prodigal Son (and Others)
After a much-needed period of rest and recovery that saw him sit out the Gold Cup, the headline news is undeniably the return of Christian Pulisic. The AC Milan winger, a beacon of American talent, is back in the fold, bringing his experience and offensive firepower to a squad that has, at times, looked toothless in recent outings. His presence will undoubtedly be a morale booster and a creative catalyst against challenging opponents like South Korea and Japan, both of whom have already punched their tickets to the next World Cup.
Another welcome sight is the return of Sergiño Dest. Recovered from an ACL tear and back in form with PSV, Dest`s dynamic play at fullback aligns perfectly with Pochettino`s tactical preferences. His ability to push high up the pitch and create overlapping runs could be exactly what Pulisic and Tim Weah need to unlock defenses – a synergy that has been sorely missed.
In the attacking third, Josh Sargent also finds himself back in the squad. His inclusion suggests a renewed look at striker options, especially with Folarin Balogun also absent from this camp. The competition for the number nine shirt remains one of the more intriguing subplots as 2026 draws nearer.
The Curious Case of McKennie and the Deep Dive Philosophy
However, for every return, there’s an absence that sparks conversation. This time, the spotlight falls on Weston McKennie. A stalwart with 60 caps, McKennie`s exclusion is a significant talking point. Pochettino cited McKennie`s “disjointed preseason” due to Club World Cup duties and, perhaps more tellingly, the coach`s assertion that he “knows what he can do.” While this might sound reassuring to the player, it comes with a subtle, almost ironic, implication: “We know your capabilities, so we`re using this opportunity to assess others.” This approach certainly keeps everyone on their toes, even the established veterans.
The sentiment extends beyond McKennie. Goalkeepers Matt Turner and Zack Steffen also didn`t make the cut, leaving Matt Freese as the sole custodian with international caps in this particular lineup. This bold move underscores Pochettino`s overarching strategy: a radical “deep dive” into the player pool.
“For me, all the players are important. The individual situations are important, and to analyze and make the decisions and have a plan for them. We have a roster of 65 players that we`re going to be assessing every week and it`s for them to perform and for us to select the best players to make a roster with a good balance,” Pochettino stated, explaining his philosophy.
This “65-player assessment” is not merely rhetoric. This September roster features four players who could earn their first USMNT caps, and nine with fewer than 10. With just 289 days remaining until the 2026 World Cup kicks off on home soil, the USMNT appears to be operating under the philosophy of “why settle on a core when you can keep everyone guessing?” It’s a high-stakes audition, promising both exciting discoveries and potential growing pains as team chemistry is perpetually tested.
The World Cup Clock is Ticking
The backdrop to this experimental phase is the looming 2026 World Cup. After disappointing performances in the Concacaf Nations League and a loss to Mexico in the Gold Cup final, the pressure is mounting. Pochettino’s approach of extensive player rotation, while theoretically beneficial for building depth and identifying talent, inherently presents challenges for developing a cohesive unit. Only six players from the 2022 World Cup squad are present in this roster, highlighting the significant turnover.
These September friendlies are not just about winning; they are about evaluating, learning, and forging connections. Players like Sebastian Berhalter and Luca De La Torre have a golden opportunity to stake their claim, while others like Alex Zendejas, despite recent club struggles, get another chance to prove their worth on the international stage. Pochettino stressed that this is likely the “last chance to dig deep,” hinting that the October international window, featuring matches against Ecuador and Australia, will see a roster much closer to his World Cup core.
Conclusion: A Path Less Traveled
The USMNT under Mauricio Pochettino is on a distinctive journey to the 2026 World Cup. It`s a path characterized by bold decisions, rigorous player assessment, and a willingness to explore every corner of the talent pool. While the constant rotation might give some fans a touch of anxiety – especially with the World Cup countdown ticking – it also promises a dynamic and potentially unpredictable squad. These September friendlies are more than just games; they are vital chapters in Pochettino`s grand experiment, determining who has the mettle, the chemistry, and the sheer performance to represent the Stars and Stripes on the biggest stage in football.
