For many USMNT World Cup hopefuls, the audition for 2026 begins now. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Outside of major competitions like the World Cup, national team coaches rarely have the privilege of extended training camps with their players. Even during the World Cup, teams often face tight schedules, as seen in 2022 when squads had limited practice time ahead of crucial matches, largely due to the tournament’s timing amidst the European season in Qatar.
So what if U.S. head coach Mauricio Pochettino is missing many of his star players this month? Working with the USMNT’s MLS-based group for 16 days this January presents a valuable chance for Pochettino and his players eyeing the 2026 World Cup. Each athlete is determined to prove their worth and secure their place when regulars return from club commitments in two months.
This is not a situation any of them can take lightly.
“We take it very seriously, even if it’s not on the FIFA calendar,” Pochettino stated about the camp and the first two matches of 2025, which kick off with a friendly against Venezuela on Saturday at 3 p.m. ET. “It’s important for us because we want to add players to compete for a position on the national team.”
The upcoming World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, is just 17 months away. While FIFA has yet to confirm roster sizes for 2026, each nation may only have 23 spots available. The battle for those coveted positions will be fierce. Pochettino emphasized that he will give MLS players every opportunity to demonstrate they deserve to stand alongside their European-based counterparts.
“I think that gives us a lot of confidence because we know we’re all in the mix,” said 24-year-old Charlotte FC striker Patrick Agyemang, who netted 10 goals in MLS during 2024 and is one of nine players aiming for their USMNT debut. “It’s not just based on who’s playing where.”
Pochettino, who has led clubs like Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, remarked, “The level is very good.”
However, training performances can only reveal so much.
It’s not solely about the newcomers. World Cup veterans like Shaq Moore, Tim Ream, and Walker Zimmerman must prove they still have a place on the team. Former Manchester City goalkeeper Zack Steffen is eager to make his first U.S. appearance in nearly three years. Their experience could be crucial during Saturday’s match at Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium, which is expected to draw thousands of Venezuelan expatriates now living in South Florida.
The potentially challenging atmosphere in the stands will likely be matched by La Vinotinto on the field.
“Historically, South American teams are physical; they fight for every ball,” Moore noted in his scouting report. “We’re expecting an intense game, and we need to match that or even exceed it to achieve a good result.”
“Hopefully,” added Moore, who hails from Fort Lauderdale, “we have U.S. fans down here, too.”
Despite the challenges, the stakes for players on this national team are unmistakable.
“The players are highly motivated to show that they can be part of the team,” Pochettino remarked. “They all want to be part of the World Cup.”
“Of course, we know that’s on the horizon,” said Steffen, who was a surprising omission from the 2022 roster under former USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter.
