Pochettino Furious: “There are no ‘regular players’ in the US National Team.”

The US national team’s technical director, Mauricio Pochettino, expressed his dissatisfaction with the idea of the US national team having “regular players.” His statements came after an alternative team achieved a surprising 5-1 victory over Uruguay on Tuesday, marking the first time the United States has scored five goals against a World Cup winner or any South American team.

I don’t want to be negative, but I hate, I hate that ‘non-regular players’ thing. What does that mean? It’s the United States playing, it’s the national team. Stop thinking like that. Every time we decide to choose a starting lineup, it’s the United States men’s national team that plays.

Mauricio Pochettino

Pochettino, visibly annoyed, made these statements at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, after the match. The Argentinian coach highlighted the importance of giving credit to all the players and the connection they have achieved as a team. For the November window, Pochettino did not call up important stars like Christian Pulisic, Chris Richards, Tim Weah, and Tyler Adams, who were recovering from injuries. Weston McKennie was also absent, due to changes at Juventus. Pochettino had pointed out last week that no place on the list for the 2026 World Cup was “safe.” After Tuesday’s victory, the coach expressed his satisfaction with the team’s progress during the November training camp.

I am very, very happy, because reality is much better than what is thought. Much, much better. Before, it was very, very different. It was completely different. Of course, there is still a lot of work to be done, but I think it’s about continuing to believe, continuing to push.

Mauricio Pochettino

The recent result included the first international goals from Alex Freeman, Sebastian Berhalter, and Tanner Tessmann. Freeman, son of former NFL player Antonio Freeman, was named Player of the Match with a brace for the USMNT.

This is our job, it is our duty, to see the player’s projection. For that, we need to give the opportunity and see how they perform, how they act, the character, the mentality.

Mauricio Pochettino

Pochettino highlighted Freeman’s growth internationally, mentioning his versatility on the field. Concluding 2025 on a high note, Pochettino and his team will return in 2026 with two friendlies in March. After the spring window, final preparations for the World Cup will begin in late May/early June for the tournament they will co-host with Mexico and Canada next summer.