USMNT Roster Thoughts: Mauricio Pochettino Offers a Lifeline for Bubble Players | OneFootball

Mauricio Pochettino has named a 27-man roster for the United States’ two matches against European opposition in late March. Belgium and Portugal will provide a stern test for a team now just four matches away from the World Cup. But what does the roster tell us? 

The United States men’s national team is edging closer to its defining moment at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mauricio Pochettino appears to have settled on a formation and identified his core group, but difficult decisions still loom as he shapes what will ultimately be his final World Cup squad.

The final test for this USMNT will come against Belgium and Portugal, and the squad will look to make up for the embarrassment from the last time it went up against UEFA competition. A pair of June 2025 friendlies against Switzerland and Turkey ended with losses by a combined score of 6-1.

However, times have changed. In the five matches since shifting to a three-man backline, either a 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1, the U.S. is unbeaten, with wins over Uruguay, Paraguay, Australia, and Japan. Still, Belgium and Portugal remain elite opponents. Even if Cristiano Ronaldo may be unavailable due to a hamstring injury, both sides possess formidable, high-caliber talent.

If this roster reveals anything, it is that Pochettino is offering certain players a final opportunity to stake their claim. Time is running out for some, while others must make an impression on what could be their final chance.

Bubble Players with Big Chances

When examining the 27-man roster, several things stand out.

In goal, Chris Brady’s form cannot be ignored. The Chicago Fire goalkeeper has started the MLS season strongly, recording two clean sheets in four matches. He has shown steady development over the past two years and is worthy of consideration as a potential third-choice keeper. At present, Matt Freese appears to have taken over as the USMNT’s No. 1 and, barring anything unexpected, should remain the starter heading into the World Cup.

In defense, Max Arfsten, Alex Freeman, and Joe Scally benefit from injuries, most notably to Sergiño Dest. This opens the door for Pochettino to take a final look at Scally, who has yet to fully convince tactically. Freeman, who has struggled for minutes since making a move to Villarreal, also gets an opportunity, while Arfsten could push his way into contention as Pochettino evaluates wingback depth.

In midfield, Johnny Cardoso returns following strong performances at Atletico Madrid. However, his U.S. performances have been underwhelming, and he could still find himself on the outside looking in if that form continues. With James Sands out of the picture now and Tyler Adams injured, Pochettino has a chance to take a closer look at both Cardoso and early Poch era favorite Aidan Morris.

Photo by Vincent Carchietta/Getty Images

Then there is Gio Reyna. His move to Borussia Mönchengladbach has, to put it mildly, been disastrous. Over the past three years, his career has hit nadir after nadir. Yet his talent remains his saving grace. Despite being an unused substitute in three straight Bundesliga matches, Reyna has delivered for the national team before and will be given another chance to prove he belongs, even if his club form suggests otherwise.

Up front, an injury to Haji Wright has opened the door for Patrick Agyemang, a Pochettino favorite who, after starting the 2025-26 season strong, has gone scoreless in six league matches for Derby County. Meanwhile, Christian Pulisic will hope a change of environment sparks a turnaround. He was on the verge of a career year before a late-2025 injury, and while he has shown flashes since returning, he has yet to register a goal contribution for AC Milan in 2026.

Snubs…?

A few omissions are worth noting. Diego Luna, who is recovering from injury, made a brief 12-minute MLS appearance off the bench for Real Salt Lake but was left out. Pochettino opted to keep the gritty yet sometimes overwhelmed midfielder at home.

Gianluca Busio has a strong case for inclusion. The Venezia midfielder is enjoying an excellent season in Serie B, with seven goals and one assist in 29 matches while helping his side to the top of the table. Given his form and versatility, a call-up could have been justified.

Patrick Schulte, meanwhile, appears to have fallen out of favor. Being left out despite four goalkeepers being selected suggests he may no longer be part of the plan for this cycle.

Questions also remain around Noahkai Banks, who may be leaning toward a Germany call-up, while Club América’s Alejandro Zendejas seems destined to remain a depth option unless injuries force a change.

Outlook

The USMNT faces two teams in strong form. Belgium is unbeaten in nine matches and boasts a dynamic attack, with threats ranging from Jérémy Doku to Alexis Saelemaekers. Belgium has also been hit with some injuries to many of their players during the last month which could affect their roster as well.

Portugal remains a powerhouse. With or without Ronaldo, Roberto Martínez’s side, which recently won the UEFA Nations League, features dangerous options such as Gonçalo Ramos, Rafael Leão, Bernardo Silva, and Bruno Fernandes.

Against this level of talent, results aren’t as important as performances, but one or two wins would further fuel the momentum the program has built since the end of 2025.

Possible XI

Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images

With this roster, a potential starting XI in a 3-4-2-1 could include Freese at goalkeeper, Auston Trusty, Chris Richards, and Mark McKenzie at the back, Weston McKennie and Cardoso in the midfield flanked by Freeman and Antonee Robinson on the wings, Reyna and Pulisic at forward, and Folarin Balogun at striker.

This would be a more cautious setup, emphasizing defensive structure while relying on efficiency in attack.

These matches represent another critical test for the USMNT as it builds toward the ultimate goal: performing when it matters most at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.