United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino has named a 27 man squad for the upcoming March international friendlies, with nine players from Major League Soccer included as preparations intensify ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The selection highlights the continued role of domestic league talent within the national setup, as the team prepares to face top ranked European opponents. The friendlies against Belgium and Portugal are expected to provide a strong test, offering valuable insight into squad depth and tactical readiness ahead of the summer tournament.
The MLS contingent features all four goalkeepers selected in the squad, underlining the league’s growing importance in developing talent across key positions. Matt Freese, Matt Turner, Chris Brady and Roman Celentano will compete for the starting role, while defenders Miles Robinson, Max Arfsten and Tim Ream also represent domestic clubs. In midfield, Sebastian Berhalter and Cristian Roldan complete the MLS presence, bringing experience and familiarity with the national team environment. The blend of domestic and European based players reflects a balanced approach as Pochettino evaluates options.
The upcoming matches are considered critical preparation, with both Belgium and Portugal ranked among the top teams in the world. The United States, currently positioned outside the top ten, will use these fixtures to measure progress against elite opposition. Both matches will be held at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, providing a high profile stage for the squad to demonstrate cohesion and competitive readiness. The games are expected to simulate World Cup conditions, with emphasis on intensity, discipline and execution under pressure.
Pochettino emphasized the importance of treating these friendlies with the same seriousness as tournament matches, noting that the past eighteen months have been focused on building a competitive player pool. He highlighted the need for players to show commitment and the right mentality, as final decisions for the World Cup squad approach. The coaching staff will closely monitor performances, particularly in high pressure moments, as they aim to identify the most reliable combinations across the pitch.
Beyond the MLS selections, the squad includes several players competing at top European clubs, bringing additional experience and quality to the team. Names such as Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Gio Reyna are expected to play central roles, supported by a mix of emerging and established talent. This combination is designed to ensure flexibility in tactics while maintaining a consistent level of performance against strong opponents.
The March camp marks one of the final opportunities to assess players before the tournament, with only one additional preparation window scheduled ahead of the World Cup opener. Upcoming fixtures against Senegal and Germany will further shape the squad, providing additional tests against different playing styles. These matches are expected to help refine strategies and finalize selections as the team moves closer to the competition.
As the United States continues its build up to hosting the World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico, attention will remain on how effectively the squad adapts to high level competition. The inclusion of MLS players alongside Europe based stars reflects a broader strategy aimed at maximizing depth and cohesion. Performances in the upcoming friendlies will play a crucial role in determining the team’s readiness for the challenges ahead.
