Mauricio Pochettino’s call-up for the upcoming USMNT friendlies makes it clear that the coach is in full definition mode. The 2026 World Cup is getting closer, and with it comes the need to lock in a competitive squad. The matches against Paraguay and Uruguay, both qualified for the tournament, will serve as a filter to determine who deserves to stay in the project and who will fall behind.
The roster includes 25 players with an average age of around 26. It’s a team still taking shape but already carrying some experience. The absence of key names like Pulisic, McKennie, and Robinson, all sidelined by injury, opens the door for others to prove themselves.
Real tests before the World Cup
The USMNT will face Paraguay on November 15 in Philadelphia and Uruguay three days later in Tampa. Two opponents that can reveal a lot about where this team really stands. Paraguay, back in the World Cup, plays with intensity and physical marking. Uruguay, third in the Copa América, represents the technical and emotional challenge Pochettino wants to face. It’s a genuine test of maturity, and the coach knows that performances in these games could heavily influence the final roster.
Some names stand out for their consistency. Diego Luna from Real Salt Lake has played in almost every match this year and established himself as one of the most reliable players of the cycle. Max Arfsten, Alex Freeman, and Matt Freese have also gained ground with strong performances in 2025. Among the veterans, Tim Ream remains the defensive reference and a leadership voice in the locker room.
Last chances before the final list
Gio Reyna and Joe Scally return after months away, both from Borussia Mönchengladbach. Ricardo Pepi and Auston Trusty are also back after a long absence since last November. They’re players still trying to convince the coach they can be useful in the World Cup.
Training begins on November 9 in Philadelphia and marks the second-to-last camp before the final call-up. After this window, the group won’t meet again until March, which gives this period extra weight. Every training session will be scrutinized, every decision analyzed by the coaching staff. Pochettino wants a team that’s committed, competitive, and built on a collective mindset. He talks about culture and behavior as much as technical performance.
The call-up also shows that the American team is trying to balance players from Europe and MLS. The presence of athletes from clubs like PSV, Leeds, Lyon, and Bournemouth highlights the value of international experience, while those from the domestic league maintain the connection with the project’s foundation.
With time running out and the World Cup approaching, every opportunity now carries real consequences. Pochettino is focused on consistency, something American soccer has been chasing for years. The November friendlies will show just how far that process has come.