The coach of the American team, Mauricio Pochettino, is not starting from scratch. Although the core of the team that reached the 2022 World Cup qualifiers remains intact, the Argentine coach could consider significant changes.
With the 2026 World Cup just around the corner, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, the need to adjust the team is evident. The performance in the Concacaf Nations League, where the United States fell to Panama and Canada, may have accelerated this process.
During the CNL, Pochettino tested new options. Diego Luna, midfielder for Real Salt Lake, and Patrick Agyemang, forward for Charlotte FC, emerged as promising players. Brian White, from Vancouver Whitecaps, also received opportunities.
The Concacaf Gold Cup, which begins next month, could open even more doors to new talents. Key players like Timothy Weah and Weston McKennie will not be available due to commitments with the Juventus club. Giovanni Reyna could be added to the list if he still doesn’t resolve his situation at Borussia Dortmund. In addition, two friendlies against Turkey and Switzerland in June will give Pochettino the opportunity to evaluate new players.
These are some candidates who could receive an opportunity under Pochettino’s direction, who have proven their worth and are part of the preliminary list of 60 players from US Soccer.
Paxten Aaronson
Midfielder, 21 years old, FC Utrecht (on loan from Eintracht Frankfurt)
Aaronson has played various roles in Utrecht’s midfield, showing versatility in his game. His eight goals and four assists this season helped the team secure a fourth-place finish and a nomination for the Johan Cruyff Award for Best Young Player in the Dutch league. He will return to Frankfurt with greater chances of staying in the first team.
His versatility could be a point in his favor with Pochettino, and the possible absence of McKennie could open a space for him in the team. Aaronson is included in the provisional list of 60 players for the Gold Cup.
Tristan Blackmon
Defense, 28 years old, Vancouver Whitecaps
Blackmon, formed in the United States university system, began his professional career as a right-back at LAFC. Although he was called up for a USMNT camp in January 2021, an injury prevented him from playing.
Currently, Blackmon has established himself as a central defender in Vancouver, with a standout start to the season, playing a crucial role in the Caps’ triumph in the Concacaf Champions Cup over Inter Miami CF. His ability to pass the ball from the defense has been notable, ranking in the 99th percentile in MLS for progressive passes completed.
Blackmon’s evolution comes at an opportune moment for the USMNT, given the inconsistency in the performance of the central defenders in the CNL. Sources indicate that Canada has shown interest in the possibility of Blackmon playing for the Canadian national team.
Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/Getty Images
Sebastian Berhalter
Midfielder, 24 years old, Vancouver Whitecaps
In 2021, Berhalter seemed set to leave MLS after an irregular season with Austin FC, but his arrival in Vancouver gave him a new opportunity. His two goals and two assists in the semi-final against Miami were fundamental in eliminating the Herons. The competition has also demonstrated his ability to run from box to box and his skill in appearing in the rival area at the opportune moment.
Like Aaronson, Berhalter faces stiff competition in midfield, especially with the return of Johnny Cardoso. However, his free-kick ability, a weakness for the United States, could give him an edge.
Quinn Sullivan
Midfielder, 21 years old, Philadelphia Union
In the Sullivan family, Cavan has received more attention recently due to his imminent move to Manchester City. However, his older brother, Quinn, has had an impressive start to the season in Philadelphia. He has assisted on seven goals, tying for second in MLS, and has made 30 key passes, the eighth-highest figure in the league, leading the Union to second place in the Eastern Conference.
Although his usual position on the left wing is often occupied by Christian Pulisic, the team’s depth is fundamental, especially given Sullivan’s dribbling ability and his creativity. He has also demonstrated his ability to appear in other areas of the field.
The question now is: will Pochettino give him a chance?
Caleb Wiley
Defender, 20 years old, Watford (on loan from Chelsea)
Wiley’s season has been marked by some setbacks. Initially loaned to Strasbourg of Ligue 1, injuries (tendonitis in the knee and a shoulder separation) limited his appearances to only six matches, and the loan was cut short. However, Wiley performed better during his loan to Watford in the English Championship, so much so that there is speculation about his return to the team next season.
For the United States, the absence of Antonee Robinson and Sergiño Dest during the CNL demonstrated the lack of depth in the full-back positions. Wiley, with his ability to project himself in attack, could be a solution.
