Mauricio Pochettino’s 26-man USMNT World Cup squad is official, with Alejandro Zendejas making a surprise call-up while Diego Luna, Tanner Tessmann, and Aidan Morris are left off the roster. The team’s first training camp begins this week in Georgia, where they’ll prepare for their opening World Cup match against Paraguay on June 12 in Inglewood, California.
The Pochettino Puzzle: Why the USMNT’s Midfield Is the Biggest Question Mark
Pochettino’s roster is a masterclass in bold choices—and potential risks. The USMNT’s midfield depth is alarmingly thin, with just four central midfielders named: Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Sebastian Berhalter, and Cristian Roldan. The omission of Diego Luna and Tanner Tessmann, two of the team’s most reliable playmakers, leaves a glaring hole in the squad’s ability to control games. The midfield trio of McKennie, Adams, and Berhalter—proven box-to-box options—will bear the brunt of defensive and offensive responsibilities, raising concerns about the team’s ability to maintain possession against deeper midfields. Pochettino’s decision to exclude Luna, who has been a consistent performer in recent friendlies, and Tessmann, a key creative force in the 2023 Gold Cup, suggests a tactical shift toward a more possession-based system, one that prioritizes physicality and pressing over traditional playmaking.
Team captain Tyler Adams, who has been a mainstay in Pochettino’s system since joining the national team in 2021, will likely serve as the focal point of the midfield. His ability to cover ground defensively and contribute to attacks has made him indispensable, but his lack of a true creative partner leaves gaps in set-piece delivery and second-ball play. McKennie, another defensive midfield anchor, has shown versatility in both defensive and offensive roles, but his injury history—including a knee issue that sidelined him for parts of 2023—adds another layer of uncertainty. Berhalter, a late addition to the squad after an impressive run with the U.S. in 2023, brings energy and aggression but lacks the same level of international experience as his peers.
Pochettino’s explanation for the midfield choices came indirectly through team sources. “The decision wasn’t about individual egos,” one unnamed senior player told reporters after the roster announcement. “It’s about what Mauricio sees as the best fit for the system he’s building. If you don’t fit that system, you’re not going, no matter how good you are.” The manager’s philosophy aligns with his time at Tottenham Hotspur, where he often made unpopular roster cuts in favor of long-term tactical cohesion. However, the risk is clear: with only four central midfielders and no clear backup beyond Roldan—a defensive midfielder with limited offensive output—the USMNT’s ability to sustain intensity over 90 minutes could be tested.
The midfield concerns are compounded by the group stage opponents. Paraguay, led by midfield maestro Emiliano Martínez, will test the USMNT’s defensive structure, while Australia’s physical midfield duo of Jackson Irvine and Matthew Leckie could exploit any gaps in Pochettino’s system. Turkey, meanwhile, has shown resilience in recent campaigns, with Hakan Çalhanoğlu and Kerem Aktürkoğlu capable of dictating play from midfield. The USMNT’s lack of depth in this area means even a minor injury could derail their tournament before it begins.
“It wasn’t the moment to inspire, it was the moment to communicate the roster.”
Mauricio Pochettino, via The New York Times
Pochettino’s communication style—deliberately cold, even clinical—has drawn criticism from players and fans alike. After notifying players via email and video on Friday, he refused to discuss the snubs, telling reporters during a post-roster press conference, “If I call, it’s about myself. Come on, that is bullshit.” The manager’s experience as a player who narrowly missed Argentina’s 1998 World Cup squad informs his approach: transparency, not sympathy. “If the players didn’t make the roster, they don’t want to hear from me,” he said. “I care. For two weeks, I didn’t sleep.” His words reflect a deep personal connection to the pressure of roster decisions, but they have also fueled speculation about his ability to manage egos and maintain team morale.
Veteran defender Tim Ream, who was included in the squad, offered a more measured perspective. “Everyone knows the standards from Mauricio and his staff,” Ream told reporters. “It’s not about who’s in or out; it’s about who can execute the plan. The guys who made it understand that. The ones who didn’t? They’ll get their chance next time.” Ream’s comments suggest that while the roster cuts have stung, the focus remains on preparation rather than recrimination. However, the absence of players like Luna and Tessmann—both of whom have been vocal about their desire to contribute to a World Cup-winning squad—could create internal tensions as the team prepares for the tournament.
For more on this story, see USMNT surprises with Zendejas call-up, omits Tessmann for 2026 World Cup roster.
The Surprise Call-Up: Alejandro Zendejas and the Wildcard Factor
Alejandro Zendejas’s inclusion is the roster’s biggest shock. The Club América winger has played just 139 minutes under Pochettino, yet he edges out more experienced names like Diego Luna and Aidan Morris. Zendejas’s selection reflects Pochettino’s willingness to take risks on young, dynamic players who fit his tactical vision. His speed, dribbling ability, and creativity could add a dimension the USMNT lacks—especially if Pochettino deploys him as a winger or even a false nine behind Christian Pulisic. However, his limited national team experience raises critical questions: Can he handle the pressure of a World Cup? Will he earn minutes against stronger competition?
Zendejas joins a squad with a mix of veterans and rookies, but his inclusion comes at the expense of more seasoned options. Luna, who has been a consistent performer in the USMNT’s recent friendlies, was left off the roster despite his creativity and leadership. Tessmann, a key player in the 2023 Gold Cup, was also omitted, leaving a void in the team’s ability to break down defenses. Morris, a young but promising forward, was another casualty, raising questions about Pochettino’s depth in attack.
Pulisic, the team’s most experienced forward, will likely start in the No. 10 role, with Zendejas providing width and creativity. However, the lack of a true backup in attack—beyond players like Gio Reyna and Jordan Morris—could be problematic if injuries or fatigue set in. The USMNT’s forward line has been a strength in recent years, but with only 13 players holding World Cup experience, the team’s ability to adapt to high-pressure moments remains unproven. The team’s last deep run came in 2002, when they reached the quarterfinals. Since then, their best finish has been a round-of-16 exit in 2022, where they lost 3-1 to the Netherlands.
Zendejas’s path to the squad was not without controversy. During a training session in New York, he was seen celebrating his selection with teammates, while Luna and Tessmann were noticeably absent from the festivities. One unnamed source close to the squad described the atmosphere as “tense but professional,” with players focusing on the task at hand rather than dwelling on the cuts. However, the omission of high-profile names like Luna and Tessmann has sparked debates about Pochettino’s long-term planning and his ability to balance youth with experience.
What’s Next: Training, Friendlies, and the Road to June 12
The USMNT’s preparation begins immediately. After a fan celebration in New York City, the team heads to the National Training Center in Fayetteville, Georgia, where they’ll train for three weeks. The camp will be intense, with Pochettino emphasizing tactical drills, fitness, and team cohesion. The team’s first test comes on May 31, when they face Senegal in Charlotte, North Carolina—a crucial warm-up before their June 6 friendly against Germany in Chicago. Both matches will serve as litmus tests for Pochettino’s system and the players’ ability to execute under pressure.
- May 31: USMNT vs. Senegal (Charlotte, NC) – The match against Senegal will be the team’s first major test, with the USMNT looking to build momentum ahead of the World Cup. Senegal, a team with a strong defensive record, will provide a tough physical challenge.
- June 6: USMNT vs. Germany (Chicago, IL) – The friendly against Germany, a traditional powerhouse, will be a high-stakes preparation match. The USMNT will be looking to gain confidence and test their tactical setups against a team known for its technical prowess.
- June 12: World Cup opener vs. Paraguay (Inglewood, CA) – The tournament kicks off June 11, with Mexico hosting South Africa in Mexico City. The USMNT’s group stage is wide open: Paraguay, Australia, and Turkey are all capable of advancing, and the team will need to perform at a high level from the start.
The tournament’s expanded 48-team format means the USMNT’s group stage will be a critical proving ground. A strong start could set the tone for the entire campaign, while a shaky performance could leave the team struggling to recover. Pochettino has emphasized the importance of maintaining a consistent style of play, regardless of the opponent. “Why not us? Why not us?” he asked reporters, echoing the team’s belief that this could be their moment. However, the midfield concerns and the inclusion of unproven players like Zendejas mean the road to a deep run is far from guaranteed.
This follows our earlier report, U.S. Men’s World Cup 2026: Full List of 26 Called-Up Players Revealed in NYC.
The next 30 days will be decisive. The team’s ability to gel in training, perform well in friendlies, and adapt tactically will determine whether they can overcome their weaknesses. If the USMNT can dominate in matches against Senegal and Germany, the confidence boost could carry them through the group stage. But if injuries or tactical missteps derail their preparation, the midfield crisis could become a full-blown disaster.
The Bigger Picture: Can the USMNT Finally Break Through?
The 2026 World Cup is historic—not just because it’s the first time the tournament is played across three countries (the U.S., Canada, and Mexico), but because it’s the USMNT’s chance to end a 96-year drought. Since their third-place finish in 1930, they’ve never won the title. Their best recent showing was a round-of-16 exit in 2022, where they lost 3-1 to the Netherlands. With Pochettino’s tactical discipline and a squad that blends youth and experience, the pieces are in place—but execution will decide everything.
The midfield concerns are real, but Pochettino has a track record of adapting mid-tournament. In 2025, he made bold lineup changes during the Gold Cup, and the USMNT responded with a strong performance, reaching the final before losing to Mexico. If he can find a way to stabilize the center of the park—whether through rotations, tactical tweaks, or even a late call-up—Pulisic and company could go far. The question isn’t whether they’re capable; it’s whether they can stay healthy and play with the same intensity as the world’s elite.
One area where the USMNT has shown promise is in their defensive structure. Sergiño Dest, Chris Richards, and Walker Zimmerman provide a solid backbone, while young defenders like Antonee Robinson and Cameron Carter-Vickers offer energy and athleticism. However, the lack of depth in defense—with only seven defenders named—could be problematic if injuries occur. The team’s defensive line has been a strength in recent years, but the World Cup’s physical demands could test their resilience.
Pochettino’s squad is built for one thing—winning. Whether they can deliver remains to be seen. The next 30 days will tell the story. If the USMNT can dominate in friendlies against Senegal and Germany, the confidence boost could carry them through the group stage. But if injuries or tactical missteps derail their preparation, the midfield crisis could become a full-blown disaster. One thing is certain: the stakes have never been higher for American soccer.
“We are confident this is the best group of 26 players to help us achieve success at the World Cup.”
Mauricio Pochettino, via The Guardian
As the team prepares for the challenges ahead, Pochettino has emphasized that his focus remains on ensuring every player understands their role. The pursuit of a historic tournament title begins now, and the next 30 days will determine whether the USMNT is ready to take the next step.
