USA coach Mauricio Pochettino emphasizes that no player is guaranteed a spot in the 2026 World Cup squad.
US coach Mauricio Pochettino has sent a clear message to his players: no one is guaranteed a spot in the 2026 World Cup squad. The team has already qualified for the tournament as co-hosts, but Pochettino is keen to stress that every player must earn their place.
Pochettino’s side will be without injured duo Christian Pulisic and Tyler Adams for their next friendlies. However, the Argentine manager is assessing his options ahead of the World Cup and has warned that even star players like Pulisic and Adams are not guaranteed a spot.
“For me, these are the players that today, they deserve to be here and are the players that we want to see,” Pochettino said. “And then no one can feel safe or no one can feel that they’re going to be (on the roster), even the names that you say: (Christian) Pulisic or Tyler Adams.”
Pochettino emphasized that the US Soccer Federation is bigger than any individual player, and selection will be based on performance, fitness, and effort. He wants to ensure that all players arrive fit and in good condition for the World Cup.
The US team will play two international friendly matches against Paraguay and Uruguay this month, providing Pochettino with a chance to test new players and assess team chemistry.
