FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Despite the absence of most of his top players, U.S. national team coach Mauricio Pochettino is relishing the opportunity to work with his MLS-based contingent for 16 days this January. The training camp and two upcoming friendlies against Venezuela and Costa Rica provide a chance for the 2026 World Cup hopefuls to make a case for inclusion in the final roster.
Pochettino stressed that the camp and friendlies are not just a formality, but an opportunity for the players to prove themselves and compete for a position on the national team. With the World Cup just 17 months away, the competition for places on the final roster is expected to be ruthless.
MLS players like Patrick Agyemang, Diego Luna, and others are hoping to make their USMNT debut and show that they have what it takes to compete alongside the program’s Europe-based cohort. Pochettino has been impressed with the level of talent on display during training sessions and is eager to see how they perform in competitive matches.
World Cup veterans Shaq Moore, Tim Ream, and Walker Zimmerman must also prove that they still belong, while goalkeeper Zack Steffen is looking to earn his first U.S. appearance in almost three years. The team will face a challenging test against Venezuela on Saturday, which is expected to be intense and physical.
Pochettino emphasized the importance of these friendlies in evaluating the players and determining who has what it takes to make the World Cup roster. The high stakes for players on this version of the national team are obvious, as they all want to be part of the team and compete in the World Cup.