Story perspectives

Pochettino Names Defense-Heavy US Squad, Omits Key Midfielders

6/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

Coach Mauricio Pochettino announced the United States squad, fielding ten defenders and four holding midfielders.
He left out Lyon midfielder Tanner Tessmann and Middlesbrough midfielder Aidan Morris, two key midfielders.
Right-back Antonee Robinson and left-back Sergiño Dest are fully fit and in decent form, while Max Arfsten and Alex Freeman serve as mobile wing-back understudies.
Former Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer criticized Mike Grella’s claim that playing Australia was a “lay-up.”

History

Historical Context

FIFA awarded the 1994 World Cup to the United States on July 4 1988, prompting the creation of Major League Soccer (founded 1993, launched 1996). The tournament set a record 3.6 million total spectators, spurring nationwide soccer facilities and youth growth. Decades later, MLS attendance rose 45% (1995-2000) and coach Mauricio Pochettino now fields a defense-heavy U.S. roster, echoing that legacy.

1 of 2

Story summary

Coach Mauricio Pochettino announced the United States squad, fielding ten defenders and four holding midfielders.
He left out Lyon midfielder Tanner Tessmann and Middlesbrough midfielder Aidan Morris, two key midfielders.
Right-back Antonee Robinson and left-back Sergiño Dest are fully fit and in decent form, while Max Arfsten and Alex Freeman serve as mobile wing-back understudies.
Former Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer criticized Mike Grella’s claim that playing Australia was a “lay-up.”

1 / 2