Pochettino Says U.S. Players Must Fight for World Cup Places

U.S. national football team coach Mauricio Pochettino has made it clear that no player should feel comfortable about being selected for the final squad for the 2026 World Cup. The tournament will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, and the U.S. team has already qualified as one of the hosts. Even though the team has its ticket secured, Pochettino said that competition for places is still wide open and every player must prove they deserve to be chosen.

The U.S. team will play two friendly matches this month against Paraguay and Uruguay. These matches are important because they give Pochettino a chance to test new players and check the performance of those who have been working hard to join the national squad. Since the World Cup is less than two years away, Pochettino wants to use every opportunity to build the strongest possible team.

Two of the most popular U.S. players, attacker Christian Pulisic and midfielder Tyler Adams, will not be playing in these friendly games. Both are dealing with injuries. Pulisic, who plays for AC Milan, suffered a small injury to his right hamstring during the United States’ 2-1 win against Australia last month. Adams is also unavailable due to injury. Their absence gives other players a chance to step forward and show their skills.

Pochettino spoke openly about his expectations. He said that the current squad includes players who earned their place through recent performances. He stressed that nobody—no matter how famous—can assume they will be selected automatically. He even mentioned Pulisic and Adams as examples, saying that not even they can be fully sure of their spots. According to him, the U.S. Soccer Federation is bigger than any individual player, and selection must be based on performance, fitness, and effort.

Pochettino explained that even strong players can suddenly face setbacks, which is why the team needs depth and variety in each position. He mentioned that Pulisic was in perfect shape when he played against Australia, but unfortunately, injury struck soon after. This is why he wants to make sure the squad has enough reliable players who can step in at any moment.

The absence of two star players opens the door for younger or less-experienced players. Pochettino said this is an opportunity for them to prove they are ready for international competition. He wants to see how they handle pressure, how they follow instructions, and how they perform against strong teams like Paraguay and Uruguay. Friendly matches may not count toward rankings, but they are important for building confidence and testing team chemistry.

As the U.S. prepares to host one of the biggest sporting events in the world, Pochettino is focused on long-term goals. He wants the team to be physically strong, mentally confident, and united. He believes that competition inside the squad will make the team better overall. With more friendlies and training camps ahead, the fight for places will continue until the final selection is made.

Pochettino’s message is simple: every player, whether a star or newcomer, must work hard to earn a place in the World Cup squad. The upcoming matches will be important for judging performance and commitment. With the World Cup approaching, the U.S. team continues building a strong and balanced squad that can compete on the world stage.