Mauricio Pochettino Announces USMNT Squad for Belgium and Portugal Friendlies

G. E (Elbotola)

17 March 2026at15:45

Mauricio Pochettino, head coach of the United States men's national soccer team, has announced a 27-player squad for two friendly matches against Belgium and Portugal in Atlanta, USA. These encounters, scheduled for March 28 and 31, represent the final opportunity to evaluate players before the definitive squad for the World Cup finals is finalized.

The squad sees several key players absent due to injury, most notably Sergino Dest, who sustained a left hamstring injury while playing for PSV Eindhoven on March 7. The USMNT will also be without Tyler Adams, Diego Luna, and Haji Wright for various reasons. Additionally, James Sands is unavailable after undergoing ankle surgery that will keep him sidelined for the remainder of the season with German club St. Pauli.

Conversely, the roster features new call-ups such as Patrick Agyemang, who scored ten goals in 34 Championship matches for Derby. The squad also marks the return of Weston McKennie, Giovanni Reyna, and Johnny Cardoso. Defender Antonee Robinson is also back after recovering from a knee injury that kept him out of the squad for last November's matches.

These friendlies represent the final testing phase for the coaching staff before the official announcement of the 26-player World Cup squad, which is set to be unveiled on May 26. Pochettino aims to finalize the names capable of representing the national team on the global stage based on their technical performance during the current camp.

Q&A

What is the purpose of the USMNT's upcoming friendlies?

The USMNT's upcoming friendlies against Belgium and Portugal serve as the final evaluation opportunity for head coach Mauricio Pochettino. These matches are crucial for assessing players' technical performance before the definitive World Cup squad is selected.

How do injuries affect Mauricio Pochettino's USMNT squad selection?

Injuries significantly impact Mauricio Pochettino's USMNT squad selection, sidelining several key players. Sergino Dest is out with a hamstring injury, while James Sands underwent ankle surgery. Other notable absences include Tyler Adams and Diego Luna.

What is the next step for the USMNT after these friendly matches?

After these friendly matches, the next crucial step for the USMNT is the official announcement of the final World Cup squad. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino will finalize the 26-player roster based on player evaluations from the current camp.