Jun 9, 2026, 09:00 AM ET

Over his 20 months leading the U.S. men's national team, Mauricio Pochettino has secured 15 victories, suffered 10 defeats and recorded one draw. He has evaluated 67 players before finalizing a 26-man roster. Recent results include a 3-2 victory against Senegal and a 2-1 loss to Germany. On Friday, he guides the USMNT into the FIFA World Cup.

This occasion stands apart in the program's history. Although the U.S. hosted the event previously, with the 1994 tournament marking a pivotal shift for soccer domestically, that squad operated without pressure.

Back then, avoiding embarrassment defined success. Today, with a high-profile manager like Pochettino and players at top European clubs, expectations have risen sharply.

Can this squad meet those standards? What is its true potential? To explore these topics and others, ESPN consulted its USMNT coverage team for this cycle: Jeff Carlisle, Herculez Gomez, Sam Borden, Cesar Hernandez and Ryan Clark.

Did Pochettino select the right squad?

Carlisle: Overall, the choices appear sound. Injuries helped sidestep tough calls like Patrick Agyemang versus Haji Wright up front. The defensive core raises some doubts, yet Pochettino chose the strongest available options.

The omission of Diego Luna did not shock me. While talented, other attackers bring more established credentials. Alejandro Zendejas fully merits inclusion.

Gomez: Largely yes, as 20 months after Pochettino's arrival, a clear starting XI has emerged. Assuming Chris Richards recovers, Miles Robinson drops out and Richards slots into the center, yielding the desired lineup versus Paraguay. The selection works, though the long timeline raises concerns.

Borden: Broadly correct. Core contributors made the cut, which was straightforward. Including Gio Reyna made sense given his clear ability. Excluding Tanner Tessmann surprised me after his strong Olympic showing and continued progress. Midfield depth looks thin, and any injury or suspension there could prove costly.

Hernandez: Midfield stands out as an issue. Adding an attacking option beside Tyler Adams suits group-stage needs against packed defenses, yet it may limit success in later knockout rounds.

Clark: Possibly. Injuries removed some choices. Luna and Tessmann draw the most attention, particularly with Tessmann's key role at a fourth-place Lyon side.

Where does this team appear most exposed?

Gomez: During transitions after losing possession. The side pushes many players forward, leaving defenders isolated in one-on-one situations where errors can occur.

Borden: Besides midfield concerns, scoring remains a worry. Folarin Balogun offers the best striker option in years after a strong Monaco season, yet the long-standing question of whether the U.S. can score enough lingers. Christian Pulisic's recent drought adds to offensive doubts.

Hernandez: Tied to midfield, the team risks crisis if Adams misses time due to injury or cards. No other player matches his level in that role, leaving insufficient defensive cover.

Clark: Defense, mainly due to personnel rather than shape. Germany in the final warmup was not at peak strength, and the Senegal result highlighted Antonee Robinson as the steadiest backline performer.

Carlisle: One selection note involves adding a fifth outside back in Joe Scally instead of another central midfielder like Aidan Morris. Adams has an injury history, and cards could factor in a physical area. Pochettino favors a creator like Malik Tillman next to Adams over a pure destroyer like Cristian Roldan, which may cost the side needed steel in midfield.

How much will Pochettino's future distract the team?

Borden: Very little. While optics are imperfect, professionals focus on themselves. Players aim to win matches, and the coach's next destination will not occupy their thoughts.

Hernandez: This matters more to fans and media than players. Reports suggest Pochettino departs after the tournament, which comes as little surprise.

Clark: Likely not at all. The appointment always seemed temporary, fueling speculation now. Rumors swirl constantly in this period.

Carlisle: It should not affect performance. Players routinely adapt to coaching changes. The group appears professional enough to ignore external noise around moves.

Gomez: It will not impact the team. Everyone understood Pochettino's role covered this cycle before likely departure. Potential new opportunities for him stay far from players' minds.

Which player could surprise positively this summer?

Hernandez: Reyna has points to prove after falling short of early hype, yet his talent could deliver key moments from the bench depending on opportunities given.

Clark: Sergino Dest may shine by showing versatility that attracts clubs. He contributes in attack and supports pressing, potentially earning a move from PSV.

Carlisle: Dest and Zendejas offer attacking surprises. Dest excelled on the wing versus Senegal and thrives further forward. Zendejas could impress after his notable goal against Japan if given chances.

Gomez: Weston McKennie fits as the player with genuine star quality on and off the field through goals, plays and charisma. A strong tournament would introduce him to many casual fans.

Borden: A strong goalkeeper often proves decisive for deep runs. Matt Freese stands out as the candidate to deliver, bringing legitimate ability despite not playing in Europe.

How far will the U.S. advance in this World Cup?

Clark: The round of 16 looks realistic. Further progress seems difficult after losses to Belgium, Portugal and Germany since March, requiring a major improvement.

Carlisle: The round of 16 remains the likely exit point. A matchup with Belgium awaits if results hold, and stopping players like Jeremy Doku poses challenges. Home support helps, but fortune will be needed.

Gomez: The draw dictates progress. First place in the group eases the path, while lower finishes complicate it, yet the round of 16 appears the endpoint.

Borden: The balanced group offers no easy or dominant sides, opening varied outcomes. Optimism points to topping the group and reaching the quarterfinals before elimination.

Hernandez: A round-of-16 exit balances expectations without major gains. A potential matchup against Belgium or Argentina fits that scenario.