
U.S. men’s national team (USMNT) coach Mauricio Pochettino singled out a glut of fringe players who have staked a strong claim to be included in the roster for the 2026 World Cup.
In the nation’s first outing since losing the Gold Cup final to Mexico, Pochettino oversaw a pair of friendlies against South Korea and Japan. The USMNT were worrying disjointed in a 2–0 defeat to Son Heung-min’s side before delivering a much-improved display against Japan.