U.S. Soccer icons Tim Howard and Landon Donovan have each pointed to a clear shift in the USMNT's temperament - a willingness to scrap, defend one another, and press relentlessly - crediting Mauricio Pochettino’s influence for hardening the squad’s identity. Howard said that fighting edge first emerged during the Gold Cup and has since been reinforced by the return of key senior players.
USMNT icon Landon Donovan expressed disappointment over Ricardo Pepi’s limited minutes during the November 2025 window, saying the young striker has slipped in the team’s forward pecking order - now behind Folarin Balogun and Haji Wright - and that the coach’s selections make that clear. Donovan expressed particular concern about Pepi's complete absence in the USMNT's impressive victory over Uruguay.
Marcelo Balboa backed Mauricio Pochettino’s recent comments after the United States’ win over Uruguay, saying the coach is setting firm expectations for the squad. Balboa noted that Pochettino wants every player - including those based in Europe - to match the required intensity and compete for their place, adding that club form alone won’t guarantee a spot.
Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT just delivered its best camp yet - but the emergence of new standouts has created a real selection dilemma ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Christian Pulisic has delivered in big moments for club and country - and with the Milan derby looming, the USMNT star looks poised for another signature performance.
Manchester United are reportedly keen on bringing ex-Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic back to the Premier League. Aston Villa are also being credited with interest in the USMNT star, who has been catching the eye for AC Milan. Another transfer for the American could be agreed in 2026 as the offer of a contract extension at San Siro remains unsigned.
With the World Cup just months away, GOAL looks at how the U.S. squad might look next summer after a November camp proving no spot is guaranteed and depth runs deep.
USMNT center back Chris Richards has reportedly opened talks with Crystal Palace over a new contract, with his current deal set to expire after the 2026–27 season. The American has grown into a key piece of Oliver Glasner’s back three in recent years, emerging as a reliable starter after an initially rocky adjustment following his move from Bayern Munich.
Mauricio Pochettino was left fuming after being quizzed on his apparent penchant for rotating the USMNT, with the angry Argentine suggesting that said press conference should be restarted as he is “not the janitor” in North America and stands by every decision that he makes. The former Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain coach was stunned by the line of questioning after a statement win over Uruguay.
FIFA has released its final rankings of 2025, with the U.S. Men’s National Team rising to No. 14 after wins over Paraguay and Uruguay. Mexico dropped to No. 15 following a draw and a defeat, leaving the U.S. as CONCACAF’s highest-ranked side to close the year. Spain remain No. 1, while Brazil returned to the top five.
Between breakout performances and returning stars making noise, the U.S. leave November camp with momentum - and something close to genuine belief. GOAL’s writers unpack the key storylines that emerged.
Mauricio Pochettino made it loud and clear that the USMNT are about the collective rather than the individuals after Sebastian Berhalter and Alex Freeman stepped up with breakout performances.
U.S. international Sebastian Berhalter delivered an impressive opening spell in the Americans’ friendly against Uruguay, scoring his first national team goal from a well-placed set piece in the 17th minute. Minutes later, he set up Alex Freeman for his first international goal, assisting on a driven header to give the U.S. an early boost.
Veteran Brazilian defender Thiago Silva is wanted back at AC Milan, according to reports, with the Rossoneri looking to reunite the South American centre-half with his former Chelsea team-mate Christian Pulisic. Silva is now 41 years of age and back in his homeland with Fluminense, but he is not ready to retire just yet and could be lured back to European football.
U.S. Soccer has appointed Dan Helfrich, former Chair and CEO of Deloitte Consulting LLP, as its next Chief Operating Officer, effective Jan. 1, 2026. Helfrich will report to CEO and Secretary General JT Batson and oversee the federation’s day-to-day operations. His hiring comes shortly after his retirement from Deloitte in December 2025.
FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket holders traveling to matches in the United States will be able to receive prioritized U.S. visa interview appointments under a new initiative announced at the White House on Monday. The program - the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS) - was introduced by the U.S. Department of State in coordination with the White House Task Force and FIFA.
The USMNT are playing some of their best soccer under Pochettino, but the focus stays on the bigger picture as Uruguay offers their toughest test yet on the road to the 2026 World Cup.
Alejandro Zendejas’ standout form with Club América has put him on the radar of several MLS clubs. Fresh off a strong Apertura 2025, the USMNT winger is drawing interest from LA Galaxy, Atlanta United, and the Portland Timbers, who see an opening to lure América’s top star back to the league where he began his career. The 27-year-old has five goals and three assists in 10 appearances this season.
Brian Gutiérrez has become a top target for several Liga MX clubs this winter, as his newly obtained Mexican passport would allow him to play without occupying a foreign-player slot. GOAL previously reported that Chivas are preparing an offer for the midfielder, and now America and Monterrey - two of Liga MX's richest clubs - are also in the running.
USMNT star Gio Reyna is setting himself an "eight good months" target as he bids to form part of Mauricio Pochettino's plans at a home World Cup in 2026. Having endured his fair share of injury issues down the years, the talented playmaker now finds himself on the books of Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach - with the plan being to catch the eye there.
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