Mauricio Pochettino assesses USMNT tactics ahead of World Cup squad reveal
United States men’s national team manager Mauricio Pochettino faces several critical tactical and selection dilemmas before naming his World Cup squad on 26 May.
The March international window concluded with a frustrating friendly defeat against Portugal.
This recent fixture marks the final opportunity for experimentation before the host nation locks in their roster for this summer’s tournament.
“I think this was the end of our cycle, or our trajectory, and preparation for the World Cup,” Pochettino explained following the loss.
“I think it’s too many things that we need to assess and to see in the next few weeks.”
Unlocking attacking potential
A primary concern for the Argentine coach is ending Christian Pulisic’s uncharacteristic international goal drought.
The AC Milan winger has failed to find the net in eight consecutive appearances, marking the longest barren run of his national team career.
His last international goal arrived during a Concacaf Nations League match against Jamaica in November 2024.
Deploying the 26-year-old as a central striker against the Portuguese yielded poor results and isolated him from the midfield build-up.
Moving the talented playmaker back to a deeper role on the left flank appears vital for restoring his creative influence.
Establishing defensive partnerships
Shifting the former Chelsea forward out wide also allows Folarin Balogun to return to his natural position leading the line.
The dynamic frontman remains the most complete striking option currently available to the American setup.
Further down the pitch, the coaching staff must rapidly finalise their central defensive combinations.
Chris Richards is widely considered a guaranteed starter in the backline provided he maintains his fitness.
However, the remaining defensive slots remain a wide-open competition with just over two months until the global competition begins.
