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