Pochettino’s World Cup Squad Leaves USMNT Midfield Exposed

USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino has officially announced the final 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, a selection that retains 13 players from the previous tournament, including Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Tyler Adams. The roster was revealed in New York City, with the team scheduled to play three warm-up matches before their tournament opener against Paraguay on 12 June in Los Angeles. While the forward line features Folarin Balogun, Haji Wright, and Ricardo Pepi, the composition of the midfield has drawn significant scrutiny from critics and sources alike.

The most notable deviation from expectations was the omission of Lyon midfielder Tanner Tessmann, who had hoped to recover from a muscle strain sustained in May. Sources describe the decision as a significant surprise to the player, yet it aligns with Pochettino’s historical reluctance to gamble on fitness. Rather than replacing Tessmann with another midfielder such as Middlesbrough’s Aidan Morris, Pochettino opted to include Borussia Mönchengladbach defender Joe Scally. This choice has led to widespread concern that the squad is now thin in the centre of the park, particularly given that Scally, while versatile, is primarily an outside back.

Critics argue that the inclusion of Scally is redundant given the existing depth in defensive roles. Players such as Timothy Weah, Sergiño Dest, and Alex Freeman are viewed as better equipped to cover the wingback and right back positions, while the squad already comprises five other centre backs. The absence of a traditional midfielder like Morris, who recorded a 92 per cent pass completion rate for Middlesbrough, leaves the USMNT vulnerable to yellow card accumulations and potential suspensions, which could severely compromise the team's defensive shape during a deep tournament run.

Concerns also extend to the fitness of defender Chris Richards, who is recovering from an ankle injury. His availability for the World Cup opener hinges on a final decision regarding his participation in the UEFA Conference League final between Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano. Richards is back in training, but his readiness for the 12 June clash remains uncertain. The USMNT relies heavily on Richards to stabilise the backline, as the form of the remaining centre backs has been uneven, making his absence a significant risk for any ambitious tournament campaign.

In attack, the USMNT faces the challenge of generating consistent chances despite a well-stocked forward unit. Haji Wright contributed 17 goals for Coventry City, aiding their promotion to the Premier League, while Balogun and Pepi arrive in strong form. However, the creative burden falls on players such as Pulisic, who has recorded only two goal contributions since the start of the year, and Gio Reyna, whose recent club minutes have been limited. The success of the USMNT will likely depend on whether the midfield can provide sufficient service to these attackers and whether the defensive risks taken by Pochettino hold up under the pressure of World Cup competition.