No USA player is guaranteed a World Cup spot, warns Pochettino

Mauricio Pochettino insists that “no one can feel safe” about their chances of being included in the United States’ World Cup squad for next year’s tournament.

The USA automatically qualified for the World Cup as co-hosts, alongside Canada and Mexico, and are stepping up their preparation with friendlies against Paraguay and Uruguay this week.

With Christian Pulisic and Tyler Adams both missing this international break through injury, Pochettino has the chance to see more of his options as he starts to narrow down his squad for next year.

And the Argentinian warned that certain players are not guaranteed a place based on merit.

“For me, these are the players that they deserve to be here and are the players that we want to see. They are the players that are our choice, our selection,” Pochettino said.

“And then no one can feel safe, or no one can feel that they’re going to be [on the roster], even the names that you say: [Christian] Pulisic or Tyler Adams.

“I think the federation is bigger than the names that [are in] the national team.”

White & Blue Jawns in Philly #USMNT x Allstate pic.twitter.com/ke5RQ6gWwv

— U.S. Soccer Men’s National Team (@USMNT) November 14, 2025

Pulisic has made 82 appearances for the USA, scoring 32 goals in that time, but has been limited to just six appearances in 2025.

He has opted out of the two November matches after suffering a low-grade hamstring injury during the USA’s 2-1 friendly win over Australia last month.

“[Pulisic] was perfect when he played against Australia, but that happened, and we see what happened,” Pochettino said.

“The most important thing is that all the players arrive fit, in a very good condition, on the day that we are going to start the World Cup, or maybe a little bit before, because I need to prepare the roster.”

USA face Paraguay on Saturday, before taking on Uruguay on Tuesday.