USMNT Roster Thoughts: The Strongest Squad in Quite Some Time | OneFootball

Mauricio Pochettino called in 26 players for the USMNT’s upcoming matches against Ecuador and Australia. We break down the new list of names and how Pochettino may line up with a Euro-heavy roster.

Mauricio Pochettino has done plenty of tinkering with his United States men’s national team rosters as the team edges closer to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Throughout each camp, the squad has struggled to find a true identity and has seen little consistency, as a revolving door of players have done little to convince that they represent the USMNT’s long-term future.

According to many pundits, and Pochettino himself, the time for experimentation is over. Starting in October, fans were told we’d finally get a clearer picture of a final World Cup roster, something that has not been on display for a while as the manager tested and tried various players in multiple positions.

To say the least, the Argentine manager made some eyebrow-raising selections for the upcoming pair of October friendlies, calling back players long thought to be forgotten. The following 26 players were named:

Image via x/USMNT

Early Bird Verdict

Right away, there are some notable inclusions. The arrival of Chris Brady is well deserved, as the Chicago Fire goalkeeper has been one of the best netminders in Major League Soccer this season. Cameron Carter-Vickers could also get a rare opportunity to impress Pochettino in October. With the manager increasingly flirting with a three-man back line, the Celtic mainstay may prove crucial.

Aidan Morris, an early Pochettino favorite, makes his return, while the inclusion of James Sands gives the coach yet another option in a crowded but largely unconvincing midfield.

As for the omissions, they continue to pile up. Joe Scally — who has started well for Borussia Mönchengladbach and recently provided two assists in a loss to Eintracht Frankfurt — still doesn’t seem to be the type of fullback Pochettino prefers.

Perhaps the biggest surprise exclusion, however, is Yunus Musah. His absence could be a statement: Pochettino may be signaling that skipping the Gold Cup has consequences. Even though Musah is still adapting to his new club, he may already be in the coach’s doghouse.

Other absences include  Johnny Cardoso, Ricardo Pepi, Sergiño Dest, and Gio Reyna — all out with injuries — while Tyler Adams appears to be on personal leave as he and his wife await the birth of their child.

Then there’s Josh Sargent. It’s been nearly six years since he’s scored a goal for the USMNT, and currently on a run of four straight scoreless starts for Norwich City, he may have sealed his fate. With Pepi injured, the striker spot looks increasingly like a two-man race between Folarin Balogun and Haji Wright, for now.

The “Why Are They Here?” Picks

USMNT social media is once again buzzing with frustration over certain inclusions — mostly those from MLS. But it’s important to remember that some names are simply here to round out the roster.

Miles Robinson is one such player. He’s competing for a place, but unlikely to be a starter in this camp or moving forward, just simply an option. Cristian Roldan, too, remains little more than a placeholder until Adams and Cardoso return.

For now, USMNT fans can rest easy that the “MLS lifers” seem largely confined to the goalkeeper and fullback positions and educated analysis can confirm that it’s based on preference and playing style.

Patrick Agyemang, who has two assists in the EFL Championship in four games for Derby County, is back, and to the chagrin of many of his loud detractors, might see substantial minutes this camp.

A Potential Lineup

Pochettino favors a 3-4-3, though in practice, the U.S. may shift into more of a 5-4-1 when defending. Fullbacks will be expected to push high as secondary attacking options but also track back heavily.

Looking at this roster, the best possible XI heading into the October friendlies might look like this:

Goalkeeper: Matt Freese Defense: Tim Ream, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Chris Richards Midfield: Alex Freeman (in the Sergiño Dest role), Weston McKennie, Tanner Tessmann, Antonee Robinson Attack: Malik Tillman (right), Christian Pulisic (left), Folarin Balogun (striker)

Off the bench, Tim Weah, Haji Wright, and Alex Zendejas offer reliable attacking options, and are all in good club form.

Final Thoughts

Koji Watanabe/Getty Images

For the first time in a while (barring injuries) this feels like the most solid USMNT roster Pochettino has put together since taking charge.

That said, the team still lacks consistency, fluidity, and grit. All three will be in demand against an Ecuador side many (ahem, me) are calling a dark horse for 2026.

On paper, the U.S. should be able to go toe-to-toe with both La Tri and the Socceroos. But fans and pundits alike are sick of talking about how strong the U.S. looks “on paper.” It’s time for Pochettino and his players to prove it on the field. In fact, it’s long past time.