Folarin Balogun and Tim Weah join Tyler Adams and Gio Reyna as injured USMNT roster members; Christian Pulisic returns.

Pochettino announced his first United States men’s national team roster for friendlies against Panama and Mexico. As Pochettino takes charge of the United Soccer Men National Team to reverse its recent decline, preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are in full swing; unfortunately however, due to injuries key members of their player pool will miss out from being selected as squad members for that tournament. Pochettino will likely adjust some of his squad in response to injuries suffered by Chris Richards, Gio Reyna and Tyler Adams which will prompt some personnel changes; Zack Steffen may return unexpectedly and add depth. Steffen hasn’t featured for the USMNT since World Cup qualifying back in March 2022; with Matt Turner currently sitting out due to Crystal Palace benching him, Steffen may get another shot to impress Pochettino and make an impressionful statement of intent for Pochettino’s squad. Marlon Fossey will remain part of the squad after performing well during this past international break. “Steffen has earned this opportunity,” stated team members. Pochettino explained Steffen’s inclusion: “Of course we consider other circumstances when making decisions but I believe he deserved an opportunity to join our group.” On Sunday afternoon as players began reporting for camp in Austin Texas, Pochettino made some last minute adjustments. Midfielder Tanner Tessman and forwards Brandon Vazquez and Alex Zendejas replaced midfielders Johnny Cardoso (injury), Folarin Balogun and Timothy Weah who all picked up injuries: midfielder Tanner Tessman was added along with forwards Brandon Vazquez and Zendejas who all picked up injuries over those originally named on Sunday – all three players replacing Johnny Cardoso as they joined camp this time around Austin; midfielder Tessman joined by midfielder Tanner Tessman; forwards Vazquez and Zendejas joined their respective positions: Folarin Balogun and Timothy Weah who received injuries.
Pochettino will likely get his first opportunity to assess this player pool before Concacaf Nations League play commences in November and make any necessary changes based on what Pochettino learns during this window of evaluation. How this window goes could prove crucial.
Absent were three players that have long been starters for the USMNT in its most difficult matches; all have been regular contributors during past years and should all feature prominently in 2026’s roster – Robinson has become a key left back at Fulham in Premier League play; McKennie made her return from injury at Juventus; while Weah remains part of Thiago Motta’s plans at Juve while recovering.
Change Awaits?Pochettino spoke briefly on what could occur moving forward, noting how this roster was much more familiar compared to recent USMNT squads. Pochettino noted injuries as the reason he cannot experiment as freely as he’d like with players from his plater pool; there may also be restrictions based on roster size; nonetheless he pointed out there will always be opportunities available in that pool of talent. “We were discussing some players,” Pochettino told Sky Sports News after taking charge at Southampton last season. Pochettino made note of some promising players he follows who do not yet appear on his squad but could become regular contributors later, including Diego Luna who came up later during his presser. Real Salt Lake midfielder Luis Luna, 21, has made headlines after narrowly missing out on Olympic selection despite scoring six goals and providing eight assists during Major League Soccer play at only 21 years of age. Pochettino noted Luna is someone destined for great things but needs time to mature first before giving any advice regarding future plans for him. Pocehttino knows his youth talent will provide valuable assistance once he understands where his needs lie, so when the time comes he should look no further than diving deeper into his ranks to see who may fit best for international duty than those already playing domestically for clubs. In past experience he has always given young players chances and thus it would likely continue on this stage too.
What to ExpectPochettino plans on employing two systems during his coaching tenure – 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3 – in developing his team’s playing style and to see how quickly their style adapts while playing forward foot exciting soccer. He wants to monitor how teams adapt as partnerships form between individuals as they also maintain front foot explosive football play. Not that it means they will always go for goals; defense remains just as essential. Pochettino asserts: “Our demands will be high in terms of working as one team when losing possession. ” “Our primary task will be demonstrating our team spirit; teams that win or have won titles have all demonstrated strong play when in possession of the ball but can work efficiently when not having possession. His defensive principles provide insight into what he expects of these player pool that should make for interesting viewing this upcoming window.”
Pochettino stated, “Our job as defenders should be enjoyed because it means not conceding too many goals,” and as long as that happens they shouldn’t lose to Canada or draw with New Zealand in previous window (if that occurs they won’t). Don’t miss CBS Sports Golazo Network’s Morning Footy podcast which now brings all the news, views, highlights and laughs needed for following football around the globe every Monday-Friday all year. Our crew provides all this and much more each Monday-Friday all year! Don’t miss our Morning Footy podcast which brings all this and more every Monday-Friday all year! Our crew delivers all news views views highlights and laughs you need for following every corner of this beautiful game every Monday-Friday all year! Don’t miss CBS Sports Golazo Network’s Morning Footy podcast brings all this year round too – don’t miss Golazo Network’s Morning Footy (now podcast form! Our crew brings all this and much more! Don’t miss CBS Sports Golazo Network’s Morning Footy (now podcast form!) which delivers all this year round on Monday-Friday all year! Don’t miss CBS Sports Golazo Network’s Morning Footy…Don’t miss Golazo Network’s Morning Footy (every Monday- Friday…! Join CBS Sports Golazo Networks Morning Footy…don’t miss CBS Sports Golazo Network’s Morning Footy; just listen in podcast form!) as CBS Sports Golazo Network brings all-week)…………………)……………………