The Gold Cup consistently brings significant expectations for the U.S. Men`s National Team, perennial favorites in the competition. However, this particular tournament carries added pressure for Mauricio Pochettino`s squad. It stands as the head coach`s final chance to secure silverware with this core group before the 2026 World Cup, hosted on home soil, where a landmark performance is widely anticipated.
This context makes Pochettino`s current task of working with a relatively inexperienced group particularly interesting. The Gold Cup roster includes only six players with 30 or more international caps, a smaller contingent than the seven players who have yet to debut for the national team prior to the friendly against Turkiye. This youthful composition is partly a result of circumstances; key players like Antonee Robinson and Christian Pulisic are managing fitness issues, while Weston McKennie, Timothy Weah, and Gio Reyna are participating in the Club World Cup.
Despite these absences, a potentially valuable opportunity lies ahead for Pochettino. If the team advances to the Gold Cup final on July 6, he could have a full month to fully implement his tactical vision and build chemistry within a team he`s previously only managed for short training windows since starting in October.
“I think it`s a great opportunity for us to settle things that sometimes it`s difficult when you only have a few days to train and you need to play,” Pochettino commented during a recent press conference. “I think now it`s a great opportunity to be together during one month… Always, it`s about the opportunity. You need to provide the opportunity to the player and the player maybe can take it or not, but the important thing now is to trust in this roster and try to compete, believing that we can win.”
Pochettino views this opportunity as twofold. It allows him to pinpoint and correct the numerous areas needing improvement, especially following the disappointing fourth-place finish in the Concacaf Nations League finals in March, an event where the team`s mentality was a significant talking point.
Pochettino maintained that comparing the current roster to the March Nations League group isn`t fair, citing “completely different circumstances.” While the CNL roster had more established players, it failed to develop chemistry effectively during two poor performances. This summer, Pochettino is providing opportunities to players less familiar with the national team setup, which can be beneficial for expanding the player pool and integrating more individuals into the new coaching philosophy.
Tyler Adams, one of the more experienced players on the roster, described the current phase as a “learning period.” He acknowledged the need to adapt to new principles, welcome new players, understand teammates` tendencies, and find the most effective ways to succeed on the field. While this adaptation requires time, he sees the Gold Cup squad, with its influx of “new faces and new energy,” as a positive chance for the team.
Player unavailability over the past eight months has perhaps unexpectedly opened doors for less experienced individuals. Some have already seized these chances; Real Salt Lake midfielder Diego Luna was a standout during the March CNL games and is back for the Gold Cup. Charlotte FC`s Patrick Agyemang has a strong opportunity to make a case for the number nine position, given injuries to Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi, and Josh Sargent`s exclusion, which Pochettino termed a “football decision.” Adams, who came through the MLS academy system, sees the MLS-heavy roster positively, believing these players are deserving and bring diverse skills. He feels the team spirit is high, with players ready to make the most of their opportunities and prove themselves in the upcoming friendlies and the tournament proper.
Over the next month, Pochettino will navigate the challenge of evaluating emerging talent while key established players are unavailable. This is a natural balancing act for a relatively new coach, but it`s particularly delicate with the World Cup only a year away, especially after a recent difficult period including a Copa America group stage exit and a coaching change. The team hopes that these past challenges will prove to be formative experiences rather than an indication of future struggles.
“Obviously, you wish that you win every game in the lead up to a World Cup and you`re flying with confidence but it`s a double-edged sword so to speak, isn`t it?” Adams remarked. He suggested that consistently winning easy games might not adequately prepare the team, whereas undergoing the current “period of adaptation” and facing some struggles can highlight what`s needed and emphasize the significance of playing in a home World Cup. He concluded, “to be honest, I think we`re right where we`re supposed to be right now.” Adams added that despite recent setbacks, the team must continue to demonstrate they are at the required level and capable of improvement, preferring the current state with room for growth over a potentially misleading appearance of perfection.
Dominic Ashworth