Mauricio Pochettino’s debut with the United States Men's National Team (USMNT) is shaping up to be a test of resilience and adaptability, as the squad grapples with a number of injuries ahead of upcoming friendlies against Panama and Mexico. The international break is always a pivotal time for any coach, but for Pochettino, this first camp is critical in shaping the team’s future as the 2026 World Cup looms on the horizon. Despite the challenges, there’s a palpable sense of excitement in the air for USMNT fans and players alike, as Pochettino brings his coaching prowess and unique perspective to the American side.
Injury Woes Hit Hard
Unfortunately for Pochettino, the road to his first games hasn’t been smooth. Already dealing with absences of key players like Tyler Adams, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Giovanni Reyna, and Sergiño Dest, the USMNT has been further depleted with the recent injuries to Timothy Weah, Folarin Balogun, and Johnny Cardoso. This leaves the team missing nine starting-caliber players, most of whom were integral parts of the squad under previous head coach Gregg Berhalter.
These injuries are a real blow to the team's plans, but they also present an opportunity. For Pochettino, this could be a blessing in disguise. The silver lining here is that he’ll get a chance to test players who otherwise might not have had an opportunity until early 2025. With the World Cup only a year and a half away, these upcoming weeks are going to be crucial for discovering and developing depth in the squad. The next two matches could be a sneak peek into the future talent pool for the USMNT.
Priorities for Pochettino’s First Camp
So, with a depleted squad and a massive challenge ahead, what are Mauricio Pochettino's main priorities heading into the friendlies against Panama and Mexico? While the absences complicate matters, the core of his strategy doesn’t really change. He will need to focus on several key areas that can set the tone for the team's future success.
1. Restore Hunger and Respect for the Game
One of the major priorities for Pochettino will be to restore the hunger and passion that has been missing from the USMNT in recent performances. During the last international break, there were moments where the team seemed to lack the intensity and drive that had characterized their rise under Berhalter. The young squad that once played with a chip on its shoulder, eager to prove doubters wrong, now occasionally looked entitled and complacent.
Pochettino knows how to bring out the competitive edge in players, and he’s not afraid to ruffle a few feathers to do so. There may be some difficult conversations ahead, particularly with players from the established core of the squad. But this kind of shake-up could be just what the team needs to regain its fighting spirit. A group that’s been comfortable for too long might need to be reminded that no one’s spot is guaranteed, especially with a World Cup on the horizon.
2. Maximizing Christian Pulisic’s Prime
Christian Pulisic is in the form of his life right now, and Pochettino knows that his performance will be a major factor in the USMNT’s success. Currently starring for AC Milan, Pulisic has been an offensive powerhouse, leading the club in goals and ranking among the top chance creators in Serie A. At 25, he’s entering his peak years, and many are already starting to wonder if he’s on track to surpass Clint Dempsey as the greatest player in USMNT history.
Pochettino’s job will be to make sure Pulisic’s brilliance on the club stage translates to international success. If Pochettino can harness Pulisic’s energy and skill, it’s not far-fetched to imagine him leading the USMNT to new heights in the 2026 World Cup. That’s a tall order, but one that could define Pochettino’s legacy in the American soccer scene.
3. Impart a Cohesive Attack Plan
If there was one consistent flaw during the Berhalter era, it was that the team often looked disjointed in the final third. Despite having a roster filled with creative attacking players, the USMNT sometimes struggled to break down well-organized defenses, particularly in CONCACAF play. Pulisic himself has expressed frustration in the past about the lack of a clear attacking strategy.
Pochettino will need to develop a more cohesive and fluid attacking approach, even if it’s unlikely to fully take shape in his first camp. With key offensive players like Weah and Balogun missing, it would be unrealistic to expect the team to be firing on all cylinders right away. But there should be signs that a plan is in place — a framework that the players can build on as they head toward bigger competitions. If Pochettino can get this group to play with clarity and purpose in the attacking third, the USMNT could become a more dynamic and dangerous team than ever before.
Challenges in Defense
While Pochettino is rightfully focused on the attacking side of the game, he’ll also need to address some pressing issues in defense. The center-back position, in particular, presents a bit of a dilemma. With Chris Richards and Cameron Carter-Vickers both sidelined due to injury, Pochettino will have to rely on other options for the friendlies. Tim Ream, a veteran of the squad, is nearing the end of his career and will be 39 by the time the 2026 World Cup rolls around. Although Ream has been a reliable presence, it’s uncertain how much longer he can hold down a starting spot.
Other center-back options include Miles Robinson, who has had a solid season in MLS, Mark McKenzie, who is starting regularly for Toulouse in Ligue 1, and Auston Trusty, who has been impressing at Celtic. However, none of these players have yet cemented themselves as the definitive first-choice pairing for the USMNT. It’s up to Pochettino to figure out which combination works best and to ensure that the team’s defensive core is solid heading into future competitions.
One big question mark that still looms is the status of John Brooks. Once a mainstay of the USMNT defense, Brooks has been out of the squad for some time. Whether Pochettino brings him back into the fold remains to be seen, but it’s a storyline worth keeping an eye on as the coach evaluates his defensive options.
Facing Rivals: Panama and Mexico
The upcoming friendlies against Panama and Mexico provide an excellent opportunity for Pochettino to see his players in action against tough competition. The match against Panama, while a home game, is one the USMNT is expected to win. Panama has been a thorn in the side of the U.S. in the past, but Pochettino will be looking to set a standard of dominance at home.
The real test, however, will come against Mexico. El Tri, as always, will be a formidable opponent, even though they are also dealing with their own set of absences. Mexico boasts an experienced roster with stars like Raúl Jiménez, Andrés Guardado, and Guillermo Ochoa, all of whom are well-versed in the intensity of the U.S.-Mexico rivalry. Pochettino knows that beating Mexico on their turf is a tough ask, but it’s also a golden opportunity to set the tone for his tenure as head coach.
Login