Pochettino Narrows USMNT Pool With Back-Three Focus as World Cup Roster Takes Shape

Selection now favors multi-positional defenders who can cover space when wingbacks push high.

Overview

A roughly 55-player pool is being condensed to 26 for the 2026 World Cup, with evaluations ongoing into the spring.
Matt Freese is viewed as the current No. 1 in a roughly 10-man goalkeeper race, where consistent club minutes are stressed for selection.
Cameron Carter-Vickers is out for the season with an Achilles injury, Antonee Robinson has missed recent camps through injuries, and Sergiño Dest returned in November after ACL recovery.
The back-three demands centerbacks with range, positioning and versatility, allowing Pochettino to maintain shape without like-for-like substitutions.
Midfield depth has grown as players such as Diego Luna, Sebastian Berhalter, Tanner Tessmann, Cristian Roldan and Sean Zawadzki play into contention, with March friendlies against Portugal and Belgium framed as key tests before the May roster call.