The US Men’s National Team roster for the upcoming friendlies against South Korea and Japan has sparked plenty of conversation—and not just for who made the cut. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino left out several high-profile names, including Weston McKennie, Gio Reyna, Johnny Cardoso, and Matt Turner, all of whom were widely expected to feature.
With just months to go before the 2026 World Cup kicks off on home soil, Pochettino is using this window to test fresh talent. “This is the last chance to do it,” he said, referring to his decision to call up new players in place of established veterans. The message is clear: no one’s spot is guaranteed.
Pulisic issues in the past
Christian Pulisic is back in the fold after missing the Gold Cup this summer—a decision that stirred controversy. But Pochettino insists the past is behind them. “We haven’t spoken with Christian. There’s nothing to talk about. What happened is in the past. We’re looking ahead,” he said. The AC Milan star is expected to arrive in top form, having had a strong preseason and a solid start to the Serie A campaign.
Weston McKennie’s omission raised eyebrows, but Pochettino explained that the Juventus midfielder needed time to settle back into club life after a demanding summer, including participation in the Club World Cup.
“We know Weston well. He didn’t have a full preseason, so we gave him the chance to focus on his club,” Pochettino said. The same logic applied to Johnny Cardoso, who recently joined Atlético Madrid.
An open system, a competitive mindset
Pochettino emphasized that the USMNT is operating under an open system—no player is locked into a spot. “Everyone has to fight,” he said. With injuries piling up over the summer, the coach sees this as a critical moment to evaluate new talent and build depth ahead of the World Cup.
Gio Reyna’s Road to Recovery
As for Gio Reyna, Pochettino expressed optimism but caution. “I’m happy for Gio. I hope he feels like a footballer again. To be happy, he needs to play. Once he starts enjoying his game again, we’ll consider him,” he said.