The Rondo, USMNT edition: Who made Mauricio Pochettino’s first squad, who’s missing, who is must-watch?

And so it begins. Mauricio Pochettino has announced his first USMNT squad. And on first glance, the new boss hasn’t shaken things up much. Most of the familiar faces are here. The injured Gio Reyna is the most notable absentee. But otherwise, this is a squad similar to the those that Gregg Berhalter assembled during his last few windows.

The squad is headlined – no surprise – by Christian Pulisic, with Weston McKennie, Tim Weah and Antonee Robinson all returning to the squad after missing out in September. Former U.S. No. 1 goalkeeper Zack Steffen returns for the first time since 2022, and Gianluca Busio has a chance to make his first appearance since 2023.

But for all of the recognizable names, there remains some debate as to how exactly it will all come together. And there seem to be one or two players that perhaps haven’t done enough over the first few weeks of the season to warrant inclusion.

Beyond that, how will this team play? What will be considered a success in this window? Can Pochettino show that he is worth all of the hype? Is it time for hope?

Those questions will continue in the days, weeks, and months to come as the men’s national team gears up for the 2026 World Cup. But for now, GOAL US writers react to Pochettino’s first squad in a USMNT edition of… The Rondo.

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  Who was the biggest snub?

  Tom Hindle: Not quite sure there is one – even if you factor in the injuries here. Pochettino, for all of the talk, has played it reasonably safe. All of the big names are present, while the fringe guys have more or less stayed in the squad. At a stretch, you could make a case for Gaga Slonina’s inclusion. There’s also maybe a shout for Benjamin Cremaschi or Kevin Paredes here. Otherwise, there’s not much to be angry about, which is admittedly refreshing.

  Jacob Schneider: There’s no real snub, with injuries being the cause for any real notable absences. With winger depth being so light, perhaps it would have been nice to see Alex Zendejas in the mix, or defensively, Richard Ledezma included. However, this feels like a strong group.

  Alex Labidou: This list feels about right, with no real head-scratchers. Clutching at straws a bit, this list feels incredibly safe and almost vanilla. Where’s the random Alfredo Morales-type of call-up? Jurgen Klinsmann’s first squad, for example, had a ton of surprises, not all for the best.

  Jokes aside, it’s better to be safe than send the wrong message with these call ups and it will be interesting to see how things develop over the next few months in the build up to the World Cup.

  Ryan Tolmich: Because of the injury situation, there really weren’t any snubs. With stars such as Sergino Dest, Chris Richards, Gio Reyna and Tyler Adams out injured, spots were opened up for players that were on the fringes of this squad. If there was one, it’s probably Tanner Tessmann. He was fantastic at the Olympics this summer and made a big move to Lyon as a result. The midfielder could have been in this squad, but you can’t complain too much about Pochettino going with his former Gianluca Busio instead. Overall, it’s a fair squad, but one limited a bit by injuries.

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    Who’s the biggest surprise pick?

    TH: Zack Steffen, even if it is good to see him back in the setup. The Rapids keeper hasn’t been in the U.S. squad for two years now, and after a good season between the sticks, it’s only appropriate that he gets rewarded. At his opening press conference, Pochettino talked quite a bit about utilizing MLS talent. Steffen in as a goalie would seem to be the embodiment of that – even if he doesn’t sniff the field.

    JS: Biggest surprise is definitely Steffen. He had a phenomenal Leagues Cup, but the underlying numbers from his MLS performances this season are not particularly something to boast about. It’s not entirely his fault, as the Rapids defense absolutely has its flaws, but there is a hierarchy in the goalkeeping tiers right now and I’m not so sure he warrants a return
    AL: Steffen’s inclusion did come as a surprise, not because of his talent, but due to his apparent exile from the program since losing the No. 1 goalkeeper spot. Given the USMNT’s well-documented struggles in goal, it was puzzling that he wasn’t called up once he regained form with the Rapids, hinting at potential internal issues. With a new manager at the helm, there’s a clean slate, and it’s great to see Steffen, whom former U.S. goalkeeper legend Tim Howard continues to praise, getting another opportunity.

    RT: Probably Miles Robinson? There’s a depth issue at centerback, particularly with Richards and Cameron Carter-Vickers nursing injuries. Realistically, there aren’t many other experienced centerbacks in the pool, so Robinson does fit there. Still, could Pochettino have looked elsewhere? Could he have taken a shot on a younger option? Maybe but, overall, this is nitpicking, isn’t it?

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      Who are you most excited to watch?

      TH: Malik Tillman, Malik Tillman, and more Malik Tillman. The attacking midfielder has been excellent for PSV this season – and was good last year, too. In 14 caps, he hasn’t quite had his moment for the USMNT. Here’s to hoping that a new manager can figure out how to best use him – and perhaps unlock a secret weapon for this side. Also, that Christian Pulisic fella is OK at this sport.

      JS: Most excited to see what Poch can do with Tillman, for sure. Without a healthy Reyna, you should be looking at him and Brenden Aaronson competing for the starting no. 10 role. Simply based on form, one would think Tillman gets the nod ahead of the Leeds United man.
      AL: It would be easy to say that it will be fascinating to see Pulisic under Pochettino, but that’s an obvious one. So instead, let’s look at what is going to happen at goal and defense. Richards’ absence due to injury means there could be an entirely new centerback pairing when the U.S. lines up against Panama on Oct. 10. Tim Ream is probably a safe bet, considering Pochettino has seen him in action in the Premiership, but who plays alongside him? Will Auston Trusty be given this opportunity?

      The same goes for goal. Matt Turner has been the No. 1 since the 2022 World Cup, but his form and playing time for the past year have not warranted security in that position. Could Pochettino elect to go with Patrick Schulte or Steffen? It will be fun to see what he decides.

      RT: It has to be Aidan Morris. Last camp, he looked like one of very few players really energized by wearing the USMNT shirt, and that’s something that brings life to a group. He’s been a regular at Middlesbrough, which has launched him up the depth chart. But even so, it’s all about sustained USMNT performances. Another strong camp from Morris will have him challenging for a starting spot. His energy, tenacity and work-rate are key for any team, and they’ll be key again this camp.

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      Who made it, but should have been left off?

      TH: Yunus Musah is having a pretty poor season

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        What defines success in this window?

        TH: Two good performances and something resembling a play style. Sure, the final scores matter for FIFA coefficients and all of that, but it’s about development at this point. That’s why you hire the guy who has tactical smarts. When any new manager comes in – especially if he is one with a sense of pedigree – it’s all about implementing a style. Results don’t matter right now, worry about that in a few months. Define this side and the way it will play in window No. 1, and Pochettino has done his job. And there’s no way the USMNT lose to Panama… right?

        JS: In terms of expectations for the window, it’s win both matches or its not a success. The USMNT has fallen to third in the CONCACAF index ranking, and as a result, they need a top-tier window to climb back into the top-two at the end of the month. If they don’t, their Nations League quarterfinal will see them take on a Group Stage winner that is likely Costa Rica or Jamaica. Pummel Panama at home, go to Mexico and win.

        AL: A win against Panama is a must, just because it would send the wrong message if a heavily-favored U.S. team loses to Panama in Pochettino’s opener. Otherwise, the Argentine has an open canvas against Mexico, especially considering the match is a heated environment like Guadalajara. It won’t be held against Pochettino if the U.S. loses, as long as it’s not a 3-0 or 4-0 scoreline.

        RT: Winning, straight up. Pochettino said it in his opening press conference: winning is important. The time for moral victories and progress is over, largely because the World Cup is just around the corner. This team needs to prove that it can beat teams, not on the statsheet but on the scoreboard. For a while now, this group hasn’t had the drive to put teams away. That needs to change under the new coach, and it needs to change quickly.

      , although it’s a big ask to get into that Milan midfield. If he hadn’t already impressed for the national team, it would be pretty difficult to make a case for him. But for the sake of contrarianism and probably being wrong, Johnny Cardoso is a pretty puzzling one. No coach has been able to figure exactly what the Real Betis midfielder can be. Maybe Pochettino reckons he can turn him into a more workmanlike destroyer that some people figured he could be, but he hasn’t showed much to suggest he’s actually that guy.

      JS: Steffen likely should not be in the squad. Among others, not sure Trusty is at the USMNT level at the moment. However, injuries to Carter-Vickers and Richards are likely the reason for his inclusion.

      AL: Musah comes to mind, as he has seen limited playing time for both club and country. Aside from one standout assist for Milan this season, his overall form hasn’t been strong. While it may seem nitpicky and Pochettino likely wants to assess the midfielder in person, Musah will need to elevate his performances to secure future call-ups.

      RT: As has been said, no real complaints. At the end of the day, you’re nitpicking when it comes to the final spots on a friendly roster. Just about everyone here has a reason for being here, whether that’s providing veteran leadership or filling an injury gap. The call-ups make sense.