Pochettino Names Veteran-Heavy USMNT Squad for CONCACAF Nations League Finals

US Men’s National Team (USMNT) coach Mauricio Pochettino has announced a squad dominated by experienced players for the upcoming CONCACAF Nations League Finals. The roster features 16 players with prior Nations League Finals experience, signaling Pochettino’s intent to build momentum as the team looks ahead to the 2026 World Cup, just over a year away.

Pochettino, appointed in September following the USMNT’s early exit from the Copa America on home soil, is aiming to restore confidence in the national team program. Key players such as forward Christian Pulisic and midfielder Weston McKennie are included.

The USMNT will face Panama in the semi-final on March 20th at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The winner will play either Mexico or Canada in the final on March 23rd.

“This is a massive opportunity to win a trophy, and that is our clear objective,” Pochettino said in a statement. “We must continue to show our quality, our bravery and our commitment to each other.”

The training camp, beginning March 16th, will provide Pochettino with his first opportunity to work with midfielder Tyler Adams. The 2022 U.S. Soccer men’s player of the year has been sidelined from national team duty since the Copa America due to back and hamstring injuries.

Midfielder Gio Reyna, the 22-year-old Borussia Dortmund player, also returns to the squad. Reyna has experienced an injury-affected season in Germany and had a well-publicized clash with former USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter.

“It was a great opportunity to see him,” said Pochettino, acknowledging Reyna’s limited playing time. “It’s true that maybe he’s not playing too much, but I think for us, he’s a great player, and we want to consider him.” Pochettino noted that opportunities to work with Reyna this summer will be limited due to Dortmund’s participation in the Club World Cup.

The squad selection indicates Pochettino’s reliance on established players as the USMNT seek to defend their CONCACAF Nations League title and build towards the 2026 World Cup.