SpotlightThe GuardianUnverified source· 17 Sept 2026
Pochettino still assessing after World Cup exit
Two years and one World Cup down, Pochettino is still figuring out his player pool.
Mauricio Pochettino
coach
Role
US men's head coach
World Cup result
4-1 loss in last-16
New squad
Leans heavily on youth
Cycle
2030 World Cup
What happened. After the USMNT's 4-1 loss to Argentina in the last-16 of the 2022 World Cup, Mauricio Pochettino said he and his staff had finally gotten a good idea of the player pool. Now, his first squad of the 2030 World Cup cycle leans heavily on youth, injecting intrigue into the upcoming four-game window.
- Pochettino was brought in to win the game he lost, not just evaluate players.
- His post-match comment about assessing the pool struck some as bizarre.
- There were suggestions he might leave after the World Cup.
Pochettino's squad selection for the next cycle will be closely watched as he balances youth and experience.
In this story
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