This article was originally published on www.si.com as Mauricio Pochettino Names Four Surprise Contenders for USMNT 2026 World Cup Roster. U.S. men’s national team (USMNT) coach Mauricio Pochettino singled out a glut of fringe players who have staked a strong claim to be included in the roster for the 2026 World Cup.

Wednesday marks a year in charge for a USMNT manager who was supposed to take the team to another level. So far, results are mixed at best

Tim Howard was unhappy with how the U.S. Soccer Federation handled Pochettino’s arrival as manager, with the federation didn’t provide him with enough support.

Christian Pulisic downplays any controversy with U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino, saying their relationship is good.

The two Argentine managers were former teammates, and after coaching Mexico and in MLS, Martino gives his observations to The Athletic

There was a lot to take in from the September international break as Mauricio Pochettino led a roller coaster international camp aimed at preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with a loss to South Korea and win over Japan.

USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino was mentioned by Sky Sports as a person of interest for Nottingham Forest, before the club elected to hire another former Spurs man, Ange Postecoglou, instead.

Pochettino has used 14 different starting lineups in 17 matches, raising questions about team chemistry with just nine months to go until the World Cup