Pochettino Fires Back on USMNT Snubs: 'We Must Respect the Players Here'

Tyler Adams is out due to personal reasons, while Dest is injured. The exclusion of other players brought questions for Pochettino, and the head coach questioned the reporters.

The USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino answered questions in regards to the roster list for the friendly matches against Ecuador and Australia next week.

Among the questions being asked during the press conference, Pochettino was frustrated with the number of questions in regards to the players not receiving call-ups for this upcoming international break.

Pochettino wanted the press to show more respect towards the players who made the roster for the matches in October.

When asked about players missing from the roster, Mauricio Pochettino said, "Next time, you provide your list and your roster, and after we can debate..."

Pochettino goes on to explain why he believes questions about players not included in the roster are disrespectful towards players who are included in the roster. Pochettino is slowly identifying which players are likely to be included in the USMNT's 2026 World Cup roster.

Pochettino continued and said, "When you are asking me about players that are not in the squad or on the roster, it's because I believe in your mind you believe that they have [the] right to be here. I think we need to respect the players, the 26 [players in the roster]."

Notable Names in the Latest USMNT Roster

Matt Turner returns to the USMNT after missing out on the previous roster call-up in September. Matt Freese remains in the squad after playing in the last two friendly matches against South Korea and Japan.

Antonee Robinson also returns to the USMNT after missing the previous call-up last month. Robinson last played for the USMNT last November in the CONCACAF Nations League in a 4-2 win over Jamaica, where he provided an assist for Ricardo Pepi.

Weston McKennie also returns to the USMNT, who also missed the last call-up and the Gold Cup this summer. He last played for the USMNT in March earlier this year in the CONCACAF Nations League.

Christian Pulisic remains in the team and is expected to remain in the upcoming friendly matches ahead of the 2026 World Cup. His performances with AC Milan this season so far have impressed many, including Mauricio Pochettino.