USMNT players warned 'your name' won't guarantee World Cup spot - ESPN

On the day that United States manager Mauricio Pochettino brought several players back into the fold, he reiterated his stance that reputations count for nothing when it comes to securing a World Cup roster spot.

Speaking to reporters on a conference call ahead of friendlies against Ecuador on Oct. 10, and Australia four days later, Pochettino said he's excited to welcome 26 players to the upcoming camp starting on Oct. 4, and watching them compete for places.

«That is not because your name is one or another, that you are going to have the place [for] sure in the roster for the World Cup,» Pochettino said. «That I think is an idea that we were fighting in the last year to try to fix that, changed the culture, changed the vision, changed the idea of, 'OK is because in the past I performed in some way or because I did well four year ago now I am right to come and to use my place because that is my place.' And I think that is changed a lot.»

The roster appears to have more of what many would consider to be the top players in the pool. Among the players that Pochettino is welcoming back are Lyon midfielder Tanner Tessmann, Middlesbrough midfielder Aidan Morris, Fulham defender Antonee Robinson and Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie. Robinson was called up for the first time in 2025 after recovering from knee surgery.

«Tessmann and Aidan Morris are playing in a regular way every single week, and are players that they need to have the continuity, and with continuity, they can help us to arrive and to perform,» Pochettino said.

As for Robinson, Pochettino said he would manage the defender's situation carefully given his lack of playing time at Fulham.

«We know that [Robinson] is an important player for us and I think it's a