Mauricio Pochettino is turning the page after the U.S. finished fourth in the Concacaf Nations League. Now, all eyes are on the Gold Cup, hosted at home, and the ultimate goal: the 2026 World Cup.

It’s not every day that a national team coach draws a line connecting one of his players to Lionel Messi, the most decorated soccer player of the modern era.

The USMNT is looking to bounce back after a disappointing showing in the Concacaf Nations League Final Four. As part of their Gold Cup preparations, they’ll face Turkey and Switzerland in two friendlies this June. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino has announced the roster, with some notable absences that surprised fans.

The overlap between the 2025 Club World Cup and the Gold Cup presents a major challenge for teams like the United States, Mexico, Canada, and Panama. Many of their top players will be tied up with their clubs, forcing national squads to adapt quickly and compete without key talent.

With the 2025 Gold Cup on the horizon, head coach Mauricio Pochettino has sent a clear message to Christian Pulisic and the USMNT regarding his approach to player selection for the tournament.

FIFA has released its latest world rankings, sparking questions about whether the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) and its star player, Christian Pulisic, have taken a hit following a disappointing CONCACAF Nations League campaign.

The USMNT looks increasingly like a project veering off course, just as the clock begins to tick louder towards the 2026 World Cup. Yet, things are going very wrong — and not just on the pitch.

Despite the criticism, Pochettino highlighted the importance of the third-place playoff against Canada as a test of character. He made significant lineup changes, but the team's performance remained unconvincing. He attempted to emphasize the positive aspects of the team’s performance.

Mauricio Pochettino, currently the USMNT manager, is surprisingly mentioned as a potential replacement for Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham. This speculation has been fueled by social media and comments from journalist John Wenham, who believes Pochettino's fondness for London could make a return appealing.

The USMNT suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Panama in the CONCACAF Nations League semi-finals. As they now prepare for a third-place showdown against Canada, Pochettino has made it clear—he expects more from his players, including star forward Christian Pulisic.

The USMNT’s bid for a fourth straight CONCACAF Nations League title ended with a 1-0 loss to Panama. Criticism was aimed at head coach Mauricio Pochettino, while some blamed Christian Pulisic for not stepping up. After the match, Pochettino gave a blunt assessment of the team’s performance.

Pochettino acknowledged the pressure surrounding the Nations League but emphasized the importance of using the tournament to prepare for the World Cup. He aims to balance the desire for immediate success with the need to evaluate players and build a strong team for the future.

Pochettino is currently focused on leading the USMNT in the CONCACAF Nations League finals. The tournament provides a critical opportunity to showcase his managerial capabilities and potentially secure his first title with the national team. This competition will be an important milestone for him and the team.

USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino reiterated his admiration for Tyler Adams, stating he'd previously tried to sign him for Chelsea. While praising Adams' quality and current form at Bournemouth, Pochettino emphasized the strong competition for midfield places within the USMNT squad.

Mauricio Pochettino has named his 23-man USMNT roster for the CONCACAF Nations League semi-final against Panama. The squad features a blend of established stars and several players receiving their first competitive international call-ups.