In a departure from expectations, the U.S. men’s national team, led by head coach Mauricio Pochettino, has unveiled a 26-man roster for the forthcoming Gold Cup that diverges from the star-studded line-up typically associated with the team.
High-profile players such as Christian Pulisic, Jedi Robinson, Yunus Musah, Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, and Sergino Dest are notably absent from the tournament for various reasons, leaving behind a roster that resembles a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents from MLS.
Pochettino, who has been at the helm for less than a year, understands that the current composition of the team may not present the picture of a world-beating squad but emphasizes the importance of respecting every player selected for the tournament.
In his remarks leading up to two friendlies against Turkey on June 7 and Switzerland on June 10, Pochettino opted for caution in assessing his team’s chances.
“Good enough? I will let you know after,” he stated when asked about his squad’s potential to win the Gold Cup.
He acknowledged the team’s struggles in previous tournaments, reflecting on their inability to secure victory in the Nations League this past March and their disappointment at the World Cup in 2022.
Despite these challenges, Pochettino remains optimistic about the prospects for the squad.
He reiterated the importance of teamwork and the necessity for players to support one another as they navigate their way through this competition, mentioning that their focus should extend beyond just winning.
“If we win, [we’ll be] so happy. If we don’t win, we’ll [be criticized],” he cautioned.
The U.S. has historically excelled in the Gold Cup, clinching the championship title seven times, with their most recent victory occurring in 2021.
However, the landscape is shifting, with Mexico recently taking the title in the 2023 CONCACAF Championship and aiming to recalibrate its competitive edge.
A potential early matchup with Mexico looms for the U.S. should they stumble in the group stage, as they will face Trinidad and Tobago on June 15, Saudi Arabia on June 19, and Haiti on June 22 directly after the friendlies.
Pochettino recognizes that the absence of key players poses significant challenges for the team’s preparation, especially as these matches represent the final opportunity for competitive play before the World Cup.
He expressed the need to adapt to the circumstances, stating that creating a positive environment for the players is essential, allowing them to fight for a spot in the World Cup squad a year from now.
The roster’s inexperience is a notable facet of this Gold Cup campaign, with an average of only 16 caps per player — merely eight of which have come in official competitions.
Seven players have yet to earn caps, and four are receiving their first call-ups to the senior squad.
Tyler Adams commented on the current state of the team, acknowledging that while it may not be a transition period, it certainly presents a learning opportunity.
Adams highlighted the necessity for players to adapt to new principles and build familiarity with one another’s styles and play tendencies.
Yet, he is enthusiastic about the abundant opportunities that await the team, emphasizing the refreshingly new energy that this roster brings as they embark on their Gold Cup journey.
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