Pochettino Brings USA Hockey Ethos to USMNT Camp

Key players return as coach looks to recreate positive team dynamic ahead of World Cup

Mar. 17, 2026 at 11:05pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The upcoming U.S. men's national team camp in Atlanta is critically important as head coach Mauricio Pochettino evaluates his World Cup roster. While some key players like Tyler Adams and Sergiño Dest are out due to injuries, Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie will be in camp after missing recent friendlies. Pochettino is focused on fostering the same positive team dynamic the squad displayed in their November camp, when they defeated Paraguay and Uruguay without some of their star players.

Why it matters

With the World Cup just months away, Pochettino needs to solidify his roster and ensure the team has strong chemistry and cohesion. The November camp showed the USMNT can win without their full complement of top talent, which bodes well for their chances in Qatar. However, Pochettino must integrate new faces while maintaining the team's momentum.

The details

The 27-player roster for the upcoming camp features some notable absences, including midfielders Tyler Adams and Sergiño Dest due to injuries. But it will include Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie, who missed the November friendlies. Other players on the roster bubble, like Alejandro Zendejas, Yunus Musah and Josh Sargent, will have a chance to impress Pochettino and cement their place on the World Cup team.

  • The USMNT camp begins on Monday, March 18, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.
  • The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 13.

The players

Mauricio Pochettino

The head coach of the U.S. men's national team, tasked with leading the team to success at the 2026 World Cup.

Christian Pulisic

A key attacking player for the USMNT who will be participating in the upcoming camp after missing recent friendlies.

Weston McKennie

An important midfielder for the USMNT who will also be returning to the squad for the Atlanta camp.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“To see how we can create the same dynamic as the last camp, that is the most important thing. Different players now, to see how we connect, are going to be 10 different players [in this camp compared to November]. That is really important in the way we see the teams.”

— Mauricio Pochettino, Head Coach, U.S. Men's National Team

What’s next

The USMNT will continue training and playing friendlies in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup, with Pochettino finalizing his roster in the months before the tournament begins.

The takeaway

Pochettino's focus on team chemistry and cohesion reflects the USA Hockey ethos he is bringing to the USMNT. By fostering a positive, collaborative environment, he aims to maximize the team's potential and give them the best chance of success at the World Cup on home soil.