Pochettino makes bold roster moves as USMNT eyes another Concacaf title | OneFootball

The USMNT begins the tournament-determining stage of the Concacaf Nations League with the aim of maintaining its superiority. Mauricio Pochettino has already indicated that no one is going to become too relaxed. The team will gather in Southern California later this month and face Panama in the semifinal of the tournament at SoFi Stadium on March 20. They'll face Mexico or Canada in the grand final three days later if they emerge victorious.

As the 2026 World Cup nears, the Argentine coach is already shaping the team base for the future. In his bid to do so, he has imported MLS players, given space for competition, and asserted that nobody is guaranteed a spot regardless of the past.

MLS improves the team with up-and-coming stars

The call-up introduced some fresh names. The trio of Patrick Agyemang, Diego Luna, and Brian White came in after making a good showing in the January camp. The injuries to Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi created room for Agyemang and White to fight a place with Norwich City's Josh Sargent.

Diego Luna also impressed. He was last year left out of the U.S. Olympic team and even considered representing Mexico, his country of origin. Currently, he is offered an opportunity with the senior team after his breakout during the victory against Costa Rica when he set up the winning assist despite playing with a fractured nose. The coach stated that the confidence on the player is not just for the camp during January and that he has something to offer in the games.

Goalkeeper and midfield positions are highly contested

The most evenly contested battle on the roster is at goalkeeper. Matt Turner's is the most seasoned name, but Patrick Schulte and Zack Steffen were not sent in here just to be roster cannon fodder. Pochettino desires it be made absolutely clear to all interested parties that everyone would have a chance to scrap for it and that whatever has been the best play in training will emerge and get the starting nod.

At midfield, Tyler Adams returns to the team but needs to prove that he is still essential. Pochettino warned that no one is going to be called based on name or reputation. The fact that Brenden Aaronson and Richie Ledezma were not called is a clear sign that only those with a high level of competitiveness will remain in the team.

USMNT cannot lose its title hunger

The U.S. Men's National Team won all versions of the Concacaf Nations League up to this point. The USMNT is the favorite to win, but the coach warned against the specter of complacency. He does not wish for the team to lose the same mentality and ferocity that took them to the top.

The coach recalled that when trophies were won, the desire for titles would weaken, but that is impossible. He stressed that he will continue working with the team on the basis of wins and that discipline both on and off the field is the foundation of such work. The 2026 World Cup is close, but Pochettino wants the players to understand that the way to it matters too.