Full Breakdown
USMNT Prepares for World Cup with March Friendlies Roster
3/19/2026, 3:00:23 PM
Overview of the March Friendlies Roster
As the U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT) gears up for the World Cup, head coach Mauricio Pochettino has announced a 27-man roster for upcoming friendlies against Belgium on March 28 and Portugal on March 31. This roster is particularly significant as it serves as a final evaluation before the World Cup squad is finalized on May 26. Pochettino emphasized that while some positions are still up for grabs, the selection reflects a mix of established players and those on the cusp of making the final cut.
Key Player: Gio Reyna's Inclusion
One of the most notable inclusions is midfielder Gio Reyna, who has struggled for playing time at Borussia Mönchengladbach, logging only 28 minutes in 2026. Despite his limited club appearances, Pochettino highlighted Reyna's impressive performances during the November friendlies, where he scored against Paraguay and assisted in a victory over Uruguay. Pochettino stated, “I think Gio was fantastic in November with us... he can be very useful for us,” framing Reyna's call-up as an opportunity to reclaim his form ahead of the World Cup.
Injuries Impacting the Roster
The roster is affected by several key injuries, with Tyler Adams, Sergiño Dest, and Haji Wright among the notable absentees. Adams is expected to be sidelined for two to three weeks due to a quadriceps injury. Pochettino expressed concern over the tight evaluation window caused by these injuries, which has forced the coaching staff to consider players who may not be regularly playing for their clubs.
Midfield Dynamics and Competition
The midfield selection remains competitive, with players like Sebastian Berhalter, Aiden Morris, and Johnny Cardoso vying for spots. Pochettino noted that Berhalter has gained an edge over Diego Luna in the depth chart for this window. The coach's strategy appears to focus on balancing depth and performance, as he evaluates how these players can contribute to the team.
Official Statements & Responses
Pochettino has reiterated that the roster is not final and that players not included in this selection still have a chance to make the World Cup squad. He remarked, “Everyone is saying that maybe it's the last opportunity but it's not closed. It's open. It's still open.” This approach reflects his commitment to exploring the player pool and assessing various combinations before the tournament.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the optimism surrounding Reyna's inclusion, some analysts question the decision given his lack of club form. Critics argue that selecting players with minimal playing time could jeopardize team chemistry and performance. However, Pochettino remains confident in Reyna's potential impact, citing his past contributions to the national team.
What's Next
The USMNT will face Belgium and Portugal in the upcoming friendlies, which will serve as crucial tests for the players vying for a spot in the World Cup roster. Pochettino's evaluation during these matches will be instrumental in shaping the final squad as the team prepares for the tournament, which kicks off on June 12 against Paraguay.
