It’s been a year since Mauricio Pochettino took the USA reins, and the Argentinian tactician’s search continues to try and find the right mix of players before the FIFA World Cup 26™ on home soil next June.
The former Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea coach has cast a wide net in terms of player call-ups, including the recently-concluded September matches in which the Stars and Stripes were humbled 2-0 by Korea Republic before bouncing back to defeat Japan by the same scoreline.
Facing two fellow World Cup participants was an opportunity to see how his players stacked up against solid competition, and three in particular put themselves in a good position for future selection.
Alex Zendejas
The Korea Republic contest proved to be a disappointment for USA, who looked bereft of ideas going forward and lacked organisation in defence. One of the few players who distinguished himself was Zendejas. The Club America winger, who was excluded from the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup roster, came on in the 71st minute and showed attacking verve in taking on defenders and playing key passes into team-mates.
He was rewarded for his efforts with a start against Japan, his first with the national team since the 2023 Gold Cup. Operating slightly more in the interior as opposed to out wide, like he does in Liga MX, Zendejas found pockets of space in the final third and capped a fine display off with a sensational strike for USA’s opening goal, drawing praise from Pochettino.
“We are so pleased because he, with his performance, makes us doubt [our roster ideas],” Pochettino said in his post-match press conference. “With this type of performance, he’s in the race for the roster for the World Cup.”
Max Arfsten
Against Japan, Pochettino shifted to a three-man backline, allowing Arfsten to slot more into a wing-back role on the left as opposed to a full-back one in a four-man defence. The change definitely suited the Columbus Crew player, who looked more comfortable in an advanced role and assisted the Zendejas goal with an inch-perfect cross.
Defensively, he still has his challenges, but the impetus he provides going forward to take on defenders and create chances gives Pochettino plenty to think about.
“[He’s] a player that we really believed [in] from day one, because I see in the way that he is, his character, his personality,” said Pochettino. “The characteristics [of] how he is like a player. I think it’s a combo that we really love, we really like. He’s [a] very intelligent, very smart guy.”
Folarin Balogun
The No9 position has long been a headache for USA. One of the biggest quandaries has been Josh Sargent, who has not been able to replicate his stellar performances at club level with Norwich City on the national team. Sargent started against Korea Republic but failed to register a shot on goal. It was different with Balogun on the pitch, especially against Japan.
The 24-year-old Monaco forward kept the Japanese defence on their toes and linked well with the likes of Zendejas and Christian Pulisic, combining with the latter to score the second goal. Balogun, who has struggled with injuries during Pochettino’s tenure, was a late addition to the September roster, but he certainly took full advantage and drew praise from team-mates.
“He gives sort of an out a lot of the times,” said Pulisic to reporters. “Whether it’s coming into pockets and laying the ball off, or it’s little runs in behind, he just kind of relieves the team when we’re under pressure.”
