With many USMNT regulars out, opportunities exist for USMNT reserves against Canada.

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However, they should know better and they shouldn’t let that stop them from participating fully in society’s fabric of life. Moments of transition come with opportunities, and that holds true for players on the U.S. men’s national team’s fringe. Christian Pulisic will undoubtedly remain one of its key performers if and when Mauricio Pochettio takes charge as head coach – his influence likely being an additional advantage if appointed head coach of his program. Pulisic and other automatic starters like midfielder Weston McKennie, left back Antonee “Jedi” Robinson and forward Tim Weah stand out. As the United States prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup together with Canada and Mexico in less than two years’ time, nearly as many lineup spots are up for grabs as there are spots already filled in its squad – particularly under interim manager Mikey Varas – heading into Saturday’s friendly against Canada in Kansas City, Kansas. Robinson (recreation), McKennie (fitness), Weah and two regular fixtures Tyler Adams and Sergino Dest have remained with their European clubs during March due to rest or fitness considerations respectively, while Weah remains sidelined due to an injury. Gio Reyna suffered an injured left groin during USMNT training on Wednesday and returned to Germany’s Borussia Dortmund to begin rehabilitation, although there are several candidates vying to fill in his role across all positions on the field. No area offers more opportunity this month than midfield, where all three starters from this summer’s Copa America debacle (Adams, McKennie and Reyna) have left. “I haven’t really spent too much time with this group yet, so it has been refreshing seeing some new faces and getting to know everyone better,” stated two-way midfielder Aidan Morris of Middlesbrough FC who have made an excellent start under English second tier boss Brian Little this season, joining earlier after leading Columbus Crew to two Major League Soccer Cup crowns under Gregg Berhalter. Junus Musah and Johnny Cardoso who primarily served as reserves during Gregg Berhalter could get the nod against Canada. Morris could join Adams and McKennie as potential replacements; regardless, “whether those two guys are here, I hope I get an opportunity down the road as well,” Morris, 22, told reporters Thursday. He stated his intent of giving it his all to become his best self. “Mark McKenzie was invited into Berhalter’s training camps regularly; however, since making his senior international debut four years ago he has only featured sparingly.” McKenzie did not make the 26-man World Cup squad of 2022 and recently changed day jobs, moving from Belgian club Genk to Toulouse FC (France) on August 30. He hopes the increased competition of Ligue 1, a tournament won by Paris Saint-Germain under Pochettino’s guidance, will give him the edge needed to become one of the USMNT’s first-choice 11 players. “After three years in Belgium, it became time for something different,” he noted. “Stepping into an established club like Toulouse will present new challenges.” Who on USMNT stands to benefit most by working under Pochettino? Varas must consider new or different solutions while also producing results. No matter that Saturday and Tuesday’s matches against New Zealand are exhibition matches, but after their humiliating group stage exit from Copa America in July cost Berhalter his job and forced Varas into replacing him, pressure is real for this matchup and its two followup matches against Australia and New Zealand respectively. “We need to win,” Varas stated at Friday’s pre-match press conference. “Everyone recognizes that Copa America wasn’t good enough. Varas said finding an adequate balance shouldn’t be all that challenging – players will simply need to earn this opportunity, otherwise it won’t just be handed to them automatically.” Varas, who guided his under-20 team at last year’s Under 20 World Cup held in Argentina before serving as Berhalter’s assistant, stated, “This team represents our highest standard and should set it.” “So the key here is giving everyone equal chances and providing transparency as much as possible – that way their fate rests with them and not me or someone else.” “Stakes for September friendlies under an interim coach can be high; McKenzie explained. Ultimately, each opportunity represents your country. No one should take that for granted.” Doug McIntyre is a soccer reporter for FOX Sports. Prior to joining Fox in 2021, he served as staff writer with ESPN and Yahoo Sports before coming over as part of FOX’s soccer coverage at FIFA World Cups on five continents – covering United States men’s and women’s national teams at each event he covered! You can follow Doug on social media via @ByDougMcIntyre for updates about games, news updates and more from United States.”