Pochettino says the U.S. World Cup roster is nearly closed with March friendlies vs. Belgium and Portugal pivotal. Betting angle: monitor returning attackers (Ricardo Pepi) and recovering midfielders (Tyler Adams) — they may offer value for first-goal, anytime-goal, or minutes-based prop bets if named to the squad.
Pochettino Signals Roster Nearly Set Ahead of March Friendlies
Mauricio Pochettino says the door is essentially closed to new candidates as he pares down a pool of roughly 70 players to a 26-man World Cup roster. The March camp — capped by high-profile friendlies against Belgium and Portugal in Atlanta — will be the coach’s last extended look before the late-May squad announcement.
March Friendlies: Final Dress Rehearsal
Pochettino will name the roster for the next camp on March 17, six days before training begins. While many selections appear obvious, last-minute exclusions have happened before, so the March roster will reveal much about tactical shape and personnel choices even if it won’t answer every question.
Injury Watch: Adams, Pepi and Fitness Questions
Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams is recovering from a knee issue and racing to be fit for the March window; even if he misses the camp, he remains a strong World Cup candidate. Striker Ricardo Pepi is returning from a broken forearm after a dynamic run with PSV Eindhoven — his form and minutes after returning will determine his place among likely three striker slots.
MLS Candidates and the European Season
Pochettino and his staff have monitored European-based players closely during club season play, while many MLS prospects are just completing preseason. That rest-and-reload factor could level the playing field for MLS players entering camp with freshness rather than match sharpness.
Transfers That Could Impact Selection
Right back Alex Freeman is reportedly set to move from Orlando City to Villarreal in La Liga. Such a midseason transfer carries adaptation risk; lack of consistent minutes after switching clubs could jeopardize a player’s hold on a roster spot despite his talent.
Tactical Identity and Momentum
Pochettino wants the March window to shift the team toward World Cup identity: pressing, ball progression and collective performance. The team finished 2025 strongly — wins over Japan, Australia, Paraguay and Uruguay and a 5-1 rout of Uruguay — but a four-month gap without camps interrupted momentum. The staff will use March to reestablish patterns and set tactical priorities.
Betting Implications and Market Moves
Punters should watch final squad confirmations and fitness reports. Value opportunities may emerge on:
- Player props:
In-form or recently returned attackers could be good picks for anytime-goal or first-goal props if they’re confirmed in the March squad.
- Minutes markets:
Players returning from injury (Adams, Pepi) might come off the bench initially — bet accordingly on reduced minutes or substitute appearances.
- Futures:
Late transfers (like Freeman) could open fade opportunities if adaptation affects playing time; monitor early-season club minutes before committing to long-term player bets.
Players to Monitor
Tyler Adams — fitness and availability at the March camp could determine midfield depth. Ricardo Pepi — goal threat if fully fit; a late return could make him an impact substitute or starter. Alex Freeman — transfer to Europe may boost development but risks minutes, affecting his roster chances.
What to Expect Next
Expect the March roster to clarify the front-line striker competition and reveal coaching preferences for midfield balance and fullback roles. Pochettino’s late-May World Cup list will likely favor fit, in-form players with tactical familiarity, but a few surprise inclusions remain possible if a player rediscovers peak form between March and May.
German FA Speaks Out on Calls to Boycott 2026 World Cup Because of Trump
With time running short until he must select his World Cup squad, U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino said Thursday that, after assessing some 70 players over almost 16 months, the door is all but closed to new candidates.
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