Mauricio Pochettino announces US World Cup squad amid selection controversy
Mauricio Pochettino’s first World Cup squad as United States manager has sparked fierce debate following two significant selection decisions that surprised supporters ahead of the tournament, reports BritPanorama.
The former Chelsea and Tottenham manager officially unveiled his 26-man squad during a fan event at Pier 17 in New York, where excitement builds as the World Cup arrives on American soil. Hundreds of fans gathered for the announcement, waving flags and celebrating in the sunshine.
While the atmosphere remained festive, controversy surrounding Pochettino’s selections soon dominated discussions. Notably, Diego Luna, a Real Salt Lake attacker, was omitted despite strong expectations for his inclusion following impressive performances over the past year.
Luna, who enjoyed a notable Gold Cup campaign in 2025 with four goals and one assist in nine MLS appearances this season, became an emblematic figure of the discontent, with one fan displaying a sign during the event that read, “Poch We Want Diego Luna.” His absence was particularly pronounced given his recent appearances in promotional campaigns for Nike and Fox Sports ahead of the tournament.
In a surprising move, Pochettino opted to include Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Gio Reyna, who has faced challenges this season, managing just one goal and one assist in 20 appearances amid injury setbacks. Reyna’s inclusion also reopens discussions about past controversies involving his family and former United States manager Gregg Berhalter.
Pochettino’s choice to select a relatively light midfield, overlooking Tanner Tessmann while naming only four central options, attracted significant scrutiny. Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie are expected to start alongside MLS players Cristian Roldan and Sebastian Berhalter, the latter being the son of former USMNT boss Gregg Berhalter.
In the wake of the squad announcement, Pochettino acknowledged the emotional toll of the selection process. “When I was a player, I missed two World Cups,” he stated. “But I kept working and in 2002 I made the roster and played in the World Cup.” He expressed his disappointment regarding the players who did not make the final cut, admitting the process affected him greatly.
Despite the controversies surrounding certain selections, much of the squad was projected ahead of the announcement. Christian Pulisic leads the group after a strong season with AC Milan, with other key players including Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie and Bournemouth captain Tyler Adams. Notably, half of the selected squad will be making their World Cup debuts. Among them are Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards and FC Cincinnati centre-back Miles Robinson, who missed prior tournaments due to injuries.
The blend of veteran presence and fresh talent in Pochettino’s squad reflects a strategic approach to the tournament, building on the lessons learned from earlier disappointments. How the narrative unfolds in the coming matches will be a testament not only to the manager’s vision but also to the resilience of a team striving for success on the biggest stage.
