USMNT roster prediction: Mauricio Pochettino is set to announce his second squad as head coach of the U.S. men’s national team this Sunday.
This selection will be notably smaller.
Last month, Pochettino called up 26 players for his inaugural USMNT training camp, which featured a 2-0 victory over Panama at home and a similar loss against Mexico. While these matches were friendlies, the upcoming home-and-home series against Jamaica in the Nations League quarterfinals holds significant weight, as Concacaf restricts squads to just 23 players.
So, who will earn a spot for the November 14 match in Kingston and the rematch in St. Louis four days later? Here are some factors that may influence Pochettino’s selections, along with a forecast.
This is not the time to experiment
While some fresh faces may appear, those anticipating sweeping changes will likely be let down. Pochettino has largely retained the same group that interim coach Mikey Varas assembled in September. He is committed to evaluating the current USMNT coaching staff through the final two international windows of 2024, determining who will stay on as the team prepares for the pivotal 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil.
With a spot in the Nations League finals in March on the line, the new coach is expected to rely heavily on a familiar core.
Tim Weah will be available this time, albeit with a catch: he is suspended for the opening match due to a red card received at Copa América. Weah is projected to start the home leg, while Weston McKennie, his Juventus teammate, is anticipated to make his debut under Pochettino after being held back from the previous matches. Star forward Christian Pulisic and striker Ricardo Pepi also returned to their clubs early, but if fit, all four are expected to play in both games against Jamaica.
Will Tyler Adams return this month?
Adams’ return is a possibility, but not a certainty. When healthy, he is a key starter for the U.S. Last weekend, he helped Bournemouth achieve a surprising victory over Manchester City in Premier League action.
However, this marked only Adams’ second appearance for Bournemouth this season, which has been plagued by injuries. If Pochettino assesses that Adams is not yet fit enough to handle the physicality of Concacaf opponents, he may decide that keeping him in England is the best long-term strategy for both the player and the team.
Pochettino faces tough choices
In Adams’ absence, Johnny Cardoso is likely the next option for the defensive midfield role, having recovered from an injury sustained in October. This raises questions about Tanner Tessmann, who was brought in as a replacement last month. Tessmann, who did not see action for French club Lyon last weekend, could find himself on the outside looking in.
Alex Zendejas, a standout performer against Mexico, may also face exclusion. He did, however, find the net in Club America’s recent Liga MX victory over Pachuca. Zendejas stepped in for Weah during the last camp.
Brandon Vázquez, another last-minute addition last time, has a strong chance of remaining on the roster. With Josh Sargent out due to groin surgery and Folarin Balogun sidelined with a dislocated shoulder, Vázquez and Pepi could compete for the starting striker position against Jamaica, despite often coming off the bench for their clubs. Haji Wright, typically a center forward but recently playing as a winger for Coventry, may also be in contention.
Full roster prediction
Goalkeepers: Ethan Horvath, Patrick Schulte, Matt Turner,
- Left out: Gaga Slonina, Zack Steffen
Fullbacks: Kristoffer Lund, Antonee “Jedi” Robinson, Joe Scally
- Left out: Marlon Fossey, Richie Ledezma
- Injured: Sergiño Dest
Center backs: Cameron Carter-Vickers, Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, Miles Robinson, Auston Trusty
Midfielders: Gianluca Busio, Johnny Cardoso, Weston McKennie, Aidan Morris
- Left out: Tyler Adams, Lennard Maloney, Tanner Tessmann
- Injured: Gio Reyna
Wingers: Brenden Aaronson, Yunus Musah, Malik Tillman, Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah, Haji Wright
- Left out: Cole Campbell, Cade Cowell, Alex Zendejas
Strikers: Ricardo Pepi, Brandon Vázquez
- Injured: Folarin Balogun, Josh Sargent
