Projecting Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT’s squad for CONCACAF Nations League Finals

CONCACAF has released the U.S. men’s national team’s 60-man preliminary roster ahead of next month’s Nations League Finals, giving a glimpse into Mauricio Pochettino’s thought process as he shapes his squad. While the list is far from final, it offers key insights into his approach.

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‎Some selections are straightforward. The core stars—Christian Pulisic, Antonee Robinson, Weston McKennie, and Tim Weah—are locks if fit. With 23 roster spots available, many are already spoken for, but the final few will require tough decisions.

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‎Injuries will play a significant role, particularly in attack, where the striker pool has been ravaged. This opens the door for fresh faces, making this selection process even more intriguing.

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‎So, how will Pochettino shape his squad? Will any January camp standouts make the cut? Could one of the two rising dual-nationals sneak into the final list?

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‎Goalkeepers

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‎The top two goalkeeping spots are settled. Matt Turner remains the No. 1, with Patrick Schulte pushing him. If both are fit, they’ll be on the roster.

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‎The third goalkeeper spot, however, is less certain. Pochettino could opt for youth in Kochen, an emerging talent in Freese, or an MLS-based veteran like Callender or Steffen. But the best choice might be Ethan Horvath, who is getting consistent minutes at Cardiff. Playing regularly in Europe gives him the edge.

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‎Defenders

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‎The center-back battle is particularly interesting. Tim Ream and Chris Richards are relatively safe bets, though Ream’s early-season form might be a factor. That leaves Mark McKenzie, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, and Miles Robinson competing for two spots. The final decision could come down to Carter-Vickers vs. Trusty, both key figures at Celtic.

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‎A wildcard option is 18-year-old Augsburg defender Banks. He made waves in January but hasn’t played in nearly a month. While dual-national concerns might tempt the USMNT to fast-track him, it might be wiser to let him develop and revisit the situation in the summer.

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‎At fullback, Robinson and Scally are locked in as starters. The remaining spots are trickier. Sergiño Dest is injured, and Richy Ledezma wasn’t included. If fit, John Tolkin could be a strong addition, while DeJuan Jones offers versatility on both flanks. Given the squad’s depth, Pochettino might opt for adaptable players rather than traditional fullbacks.

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‎Midfielders

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‎The biggest question: What does Pochettino do with Gio Reyna? At Dortmund, he’s barely playing, and his recent performances have been uninspiring. However, Pochettino hasn’t seen him up close, and based on talent alone, he remains a vital piece for the USMNT. Given his history of excelling in the Nations League, Reyna should get this chance—but his spot isn’t guaranteed beyond that.

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‎McKennie, Tyler Adams, and Yunus Musah are automatic selections. Brenden Aaronson, despite his inconsistent form, brings versatility and has been solid for Leeds.

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‎For the remaining midfield spots, Pochettino must decide between Tessmann, Cardoso, and Morris as defensive options, or Paxten Aaronson and Diego Luna for more attacking depth. His choices will reveal how he prioritizes midfield structure beyond the core trio.

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‎Forwards

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‎The striker position is under the spotlight due to injuries. With Ricardo Pepi and Folarin Balogun unavailable, the job falls to Josh Sargent. The Norwich City striker has been in fine form and has a golden opportunity to cement himself in the USMNT’s attacking hierarchy.

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‎Behind him, Brandon Vazquez and Patrick Agyemang bring contrasting skill sets. Vazquez is a reliable impact player, dangerous both in open play and on set pieces. Agyemang, a breakout star from the January camp, has size and agility that could be useful if he continues to impress with Charlotte FC.

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‎With limited striker depth, Pochettino could opt for an extra winger instead. That might mean using Weah or Pulisic centrally if needed, or selecting someone like Cade Cowell.

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‎Then there’s the wildcard: Downs. The 20-year-old striker, who has represented both the U.S. and Germany at youth level, is enjoying a breakout season with Köln in the 2. Bundesliga. Bringing him in now is a risk, but if Pochettino believes he’s ready, he could be a surprise inclusion.

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‎Final Thoughts

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‎While most of the squad is set, key decisions remain. How will Pochettino handle the center-back logjam? Does Reyna get another chance? Which striker will step up in Balogun and Pepi’s absence?

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‎March will provide answers, and with the Nations League title on the line, Pochettino’s first major tournament squad will be under serious scrutiny.