Pochettino in evaluation phase for 2026 World Cup

After the USMNT's elimination in the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup, Mauricio Pochettino began an evaluation process of the American player pool with the 2026 cycle in mind. Despite a mixed record during his previous tenure, he now acknowledges the need to better understand the available talent. His recent selections have favored youth, testing new profiles across several warm-up matches. This new approach is redefining the contours of the American project for the World Cup being held in North America.