Washington — As the United States men’s national soccer team looks toward the 2026 World Cup on home soil, head coach Mauricio Pochettino announced a decisive cultural reset for his players. Speaking during an online Q&A on Monday, the Argentine‑born coach cited star forward Christian Pulisic’s decision to sit out the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup as a symptom of an outdated mindset that prioritizes short‑term comfort over long‑term preparation.
Changing the “holiday” mentality
“It was difficult to make the roster for the Gold Cup a year before because the mindset was different,” Pochettino said. “You say, ‘If I play, I have no holidays. I cannot arrive fresh for the World Cup.’ That attitude is bull—-.” He added that his goal is to replace that thinking with a professional approach that expects players to be ready for the biggest stage.
Pulisic, the nation’s top scorer, opted out of the Gold Cup to rest after a demanding season with AC Milan and to ensure he is at peak fitness for the 2026 World Cup. The decision came after a disappointing World Cup campaign in which he failed to score in four appearances, missed a group‑stage match with a calf injury, and left the round‑of‑16 loss to Belgium on July 6 after fracturing his right tibia and fibula.
Roster plans and upcoming matches
Pochettino will unveil his first roster of the second term on September 17. The squad will face a series of friendlies in a double‑window schedule: Peru in Orlando (Sept. 26), Chile in St. Louis (Sept. 29), Mexico in Glendale, Arizona (Oct. 3), and Canada in St. Paul, Minnesota (Oct. 6). These matches serve as a preparation platform before the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals in November, the first competitive fixtures since the World Cup.
“A new process, new project, new rules, new principles,” the coach said from London. “The headline needs to be a fresh start, and we need to change habits.” He emphasized the need for a group of players who are truly professional and compete at the level the United States expects.
Potential returns and youth integration
Players who were dropped from the World Cup roster, such as midfielders Diego Luna, Tanner Tessmann, and Aidan Morris, could be recalled. Young talent like 16‑year‑old Philadelphia midfielder Cavan Sullivan may earn his first cap, while 19‑year‑old Crystal Palace winger Zavier Gozo could be left out to focus on his club transition.
The coach also expressed uncertainty about midfielder Sebastian Berhalter and defender Max Arfsten, both of whom moved to Middlesbrough. He noted that younger players might debut before joining the under‑23 side, which will be led by former U.S. defender Steve Cherundolo as the team gears up for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Balancing club commitments and national duty
Pochettino highlighted a recurring issue: clubs often resist releasing young players for international breaks. “Sometimes coaches say no. I have a 17‑year‑old playing in MLS, but when the under‑19 national team calls, they say no because they need to rest,” he explained. “We have a big problem if we keep putting club interests ahead of the national team’s development.”
He also addressed the situation of dual‑national defender Noahkai Banks, who has yet to decide whether to represent the United States or Germany. “We are in contact with all potential dual nationals,” Pochettino said, stressing the importance of personal connections and clear communication.
Supporting key players
Striker Folarin Balogun, whose proposed move from Monaco to Everton fell through, remains a priority for the coach. “I want to know what happened and always offer our support,” Pochettino said. “He was an important player in the World Cup, and we hope he finds the right environment to perform at his best.”
With the United States set to host the 2026 World Cup, the coach’s cultural overhaul aims to ensure the team enters the tournament with a disciplined, united, and competitive mindset, reflecting the nation’s high expectations and the faith of its supporters.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
