Mauricio Pochettino insists “no one can feel secure” about their chances of being included in the United States’ World Cup squad for next year’s tournament.
The US automatically qualified for the World Cup as co-hosts, alongside Canada and Mexico, and are stepping up their preparation this week with friendlies against Paraguay and Uruguay.
With Christian Pulisic and Tyler Adams both missing this international breakthrough injury, Pochettino has the chance to see more of his options as he begins to narrow down his squad for next year.
And the Argentine warned that certain players are not guaranteed a place based on merit.
“For me, these are the players who deserve to be here and the players we want to see. They are the players who are our choice, our selection,” Pochettino said.
“And then no one can feel safe, or no one can feel like they will be [on the roster]even the names you say: [Christian] Pulisic or Tyler Adams.
“I think the federation is bigger than the names out there [are in] the national team.”
White and Blue Jawns in Philly #USMNT x All states pic.twitter.com/ke5RQ6gWwv
— United States Men’s National Soccer Team (@USMNT) November 14, 2025
Pulisic played 82 games for the United States, scoring 32 goals in that time, but was limited to just six appearances in 2025.
He has withdrawn from the two games in November after suffering a minor hamstring injury during the United States’ 2-1 friendly win over Australia last month.
“[Pulisic] was perfect when he played against Australia, but that happened and we’ll see what happens,” Pochettino said.
“The most important thing is that all the players arrive fit and in very good condition on the day we start the World Cup, or maybe a little earlier, because I have to prepare the squad.”
The United States plays Paraguay on Saturday and Uruguay on Tuesday.
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