Stars And Stripes Column: Reaction To The 2026 World Cup Roster

With the official release of Mauricio Pochettino's squad, the USA World Cup squad comes with a lot of controversy. Debates were always expected, but controversy is a different issue. Yes, with the leaks that came out, the names that were announced were expected, but that didn't make it any less different than when the roster was leaked. So, here are some of my take aways from this roster.

Cristian Roldan?! Seriously?!

The fact Roldan is on this roster utterly egregious. I don't understand the love that not only Pochettino has for him, but also Gregg Berhalter did. Ok, he's a fine MLS player, but you only put Roldan on this roster when you're only bringing MLS players. On the international level, what does he actually provide? That's a serious question, because his highlight reel isn't pretty as he is constantly being embarrassed when defending. Pochettino has even expressed that he thinks Roldan is the "perfect player" and "has a little bit of everything." Excuse me, what?! I could see making that case for MLS quality (even at that I can name a few players even better than Roldan in the league), but at the international level, he shouldn't even be considered as his style of play doesn't fit well with the speed, pace, and physicality. No way you bring him in over Tanner Tessmann or Yunus Musah, it just doesn't make much sense. Roldan doesn't deserve to be on this squad on unless a load of injuries occur and even then, there's even better options like Diego Luna.

Sebastian Berhalter?! Just no

Ok, Berhalter is a talented player, but he shouldn't be on this team still. I could see him be in the mix for 2030, but not in this cycle. You play Berhalter in tournaments such as the Gold Cup, but not Nations League or even World Cup as this cycle you try playing your best and most experienced side. Berhalter is still developing, but he's not ready for a World Cup. If anything, Aidan Morris is more deserving here.

Max Arfsten Is Not National Level Quality!

Arfsten basically is only useful in an attacking sense, but for an MLS side. This is another player I don't understand his inclusion as there are other more deserving players than him. To think Richy Ledezma was snubbed by US Soccer because Pochettino wanted Arfsten and now Ledezma has committed to Mexico, absolute stupidity. I'd rather bring another center back or a fullback like Marlon Fossey, John Tolkin, Bryan Reynolds, Kristoffer Lund, Caleb Wiley, or George Bello over Arfsten. I don't get the fascination behind him.

Miles Robinson In This Squad Is A Disgrace

I love Robinson, but only at an MLS level. As an FC Cincinnati fan, I think the world of him as he's a major component of the Knifey Lions' backline. But at an international level? Robinson is not good. Why take away a spot from a player who is more deserving and plays at a higher level? Cameron Carter-Vickers, George Campbell, James Sands, Max Dietz, Erik Palmer-Brown, and Josh Wynder are better options. Heck, even if Pochettino had aggressively pursued Noahkai Banks, I'd bet he'd still take Robinson.

Tim Ream Needs To Retire

Yeah, I know....having a veteran like Ream on the pitch helps, but at 38 years old, including him is only a disservice to some of the players mentioned above. Ream is essentially taking away a spot from a talented player who is more deserving. I can see including him during Gold Cup, Nations League, and friendlies playing alongside younger players before the World Cup existing as a coach on the pitch, but this is the biggest stage and you need your absolute best players out there. Ream is not one of them. Ream was also named the captain of the team which means he is going to start and thus is still stealing a roster spot and a starting role from plenty others who deserve it more. I have nothing more than respect for Ream, but if you want to send your best possible players to the World Cup, he isn't one of them.

This Side Has A Lot Of Attack

Outside of the controversial players and see the lack of midfielders, holy hell is the attack for the team surprisingly strong. Pochettino clearly has identified how to win each match and when looking at the wingers and strikers, it's scary good. It's scary good to the point that USA could make a deep run in the tournament. The strikers are Folarin Balogun, who's been tearing it up for Monaco, Haji Wright, whom might be one of the biggest reasons for Coventry City being promoted to the Premier League, and Ricardo Pepi, who is not only dynamic, but is a secret weapon as he's been fantastic in the Erevidise. Then as for your wingers, Tim Weah provides incredible speed and pace and on the opposite side of the pitch is Christian Pulisic, who is hands down not only the best player for the team, but a world class athlete. As for your other guys, Alejandro Zendejas, Malik Tillman, Brendan Aaronson, Gio Reyna, and Weston McKennie...yikes! That's like throwing the kitchen sink at opposing defenses. This attack will press and do so keeping opposing defense on their toes. When you have an attack like that, some defenses are going to eventually break and those opportunities will arise to score.

Love The Versatility

Amazingly, there is a lot of versatility here. There could've been more, but it plays a big role regardless. Weah can play out on the wing, but also as a fullback. Tillman, Reyna, and Aaronson can play as midfielders. Dest and Antonee Robinson can play as wing backs. Alex Freeman can swing in at center back. Depending on the tactical situation, Pochettino has options.

Goalkeeper Situation Is Not Good

For the longest time, USA produced amazing goalkeepers such as Tony Meola, Kasey Keller, Tim Howard, Brad Guzan, and Brad Friedel. Now? Yikes. Even Zack Steffen's fall is noticeable. The fact that now an MLS goalkeeper like Matt Freese is the best option at this moment, things are not good. Will it become a better situation? Eventually, especially with a prospect like Diego Kochen, but it's hard to believe how far a position that had been so strong for the program for the longest time has fallen so hard.

Pochettino Needed More Time

I believe in Pochettino as a coach, but I think it's unfair to him with how short of time he has had to pick the best team. The US federation should not have brought back Gregg Berhalter as it did more damage than good. It set the program back. Pochettino should have had at least a full cycle to decide who to bring in.

Despite The Negativity, They Can Go Deep

I know some of my takes is hard to digest, but USA can make a deep run in this tournament. Part of the reason is that a backline of Antonee Robinson, Sergino Dest, Chris Richards, and Mark McKenzie and then the attack I mentioned earlier, this side can go deep. Regardless of the issues of midfield here and whoever starts as goalkeeper, there is some solid players who can pace back and play defensively and with Pochettino who can tactically use a defensively sided player. Overall, this actually isn't a bad team. Could be better, but it's not bad. But with how the team is set up, I'm excited for what they can do.