US coach Mauricio Pochettino has issued a clear warning to his players: “no one can feel safe” about their place in the final squad for next year’s World Cup on home soil.

Although the US have already qualified for the 2026 tournament as co-hosts alongside Mexico and Canada, Pochettino will use a pair of upcoming friendlies against Paraguay and Uruguay to evaluate his options.

The US squad will be without attacker Christian Pulisic and midfielder Tyler Adams, both sidelined with injuries, giving the Argentine manager a chance to test other players ahead of the World Cup.

“For me, these are the players who deserve to be here today, the ones we want to see, the ones currently in our selection,” Pochettino told reporters on Friday.
“But no one can feel safe or assume they’ll make the roster, not even the big names like Pulisic or Tyler Adams. The federation is bigger than any individual in the national team.”

AC Milan’s Pulisic withdrew from the friendlies after a low-grade right hamstring injury sustained during the US’ 2-1 friendly win over Australia last month.

“Pulisic was perfect against Australia, but this happened, and we’ll see what develops,” Pochettino said.
“The most important thing is that all players arrive fit and in top condition when the World Cup begins, or maybe a little before, as I need time to prepare the final roster.”