USMNT Embracing Competition to Impress Pochettino
Alex Zendejas and Folarin Balogun spoke on marking an impression in the lead-up to 2026 FIFA World Cup
The U.S. Men’s National Team September friendlies allow head coach Mauricio Pochettino and his staff a chance to take a deeper look at the player pool before solidifying the core of the group that will play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
After the roster announcement, Pochettino said no positions were locked down and there was a plan for every player leading into next summer. Everyone would have to compete for a coveted World Cup roster spot.
“With Mauricio coming in, the objective was clear that he wanted to bring the group forward,” forward Folarin Balogun said. “As players, it’s no surprise for us to be competing for places and positions. I think it’s something we’ve done all our careers. Everyone wants to make an impression, and I think that’s just natural. A big competition is coming in 10 months; it’s important to leave your mark.”
Now, as players are embedded in camp in New Jersey ahead of matches against Korea Republic (Sept. 6) and Japan (Sept. 9), it’s up to them to make the most of it.
“It’s these opportunities we’ve been waiting for,” forward Alex Zendejas said. “I feel like it all depends on us, on how we were at our clubs to be able to get these opportunities and also make the most of it when we come into camp.”
Zendejas has been waiting for his moment since last fall. He last played for USMNT right after Pochettino took over as head coach. The winger subbed on in Pochettino’s first four matches. Last season for Club América, he tallied 12 goals across all competitions. Zendejas spent his time away from the National Team working harder to get the call again.
Pochettino called up seven players who haven’t been in National Team camp since at least 2024. That includes goalkeepers Roman Celentano, Jonathan Klinsmann and defenders Tristan Blackmon, who are all uncapped but have participated in previous camps.
Some earned a roster spot after a gap, while others are returning after injury. Balogun is among the latter. This is Balogun’s first official camp under Pochettino after he sustained an ankle injury and was replaced on the roster this past summer. The striker said he has been embraced by the coaching staff in his first impressions with them.
“I knew the priority for me is to be healthy,” Balogun said. “You can’t do much if you’re not on the field. I do believe that I’m in good shape and in a good way. It’s something I’ve been doing all my career, fighting for my position.”
Zendejas joins Christian Pulisic and Tim Weah, two of the most capped players on the roster, as wingers in this camp. Meanwhile, Balogun has an opportunity to show his skill at the striker position, as do Damion Downs and Josh Sargent.
Just as those who have not been in camp for a stretch, Concacaf Gold Cup starters like goalkeeper Matt Freese and midfielder Sebastian Berhalter — who came into this summer uncapped — also have the ripe opportunity to make an impression.
The USMNT held its first team meeting on Tuesday as players reported for camp early this week. The message about competition was clear from Pochettino.
“He definitely let us know that there are a bunch of people that do deserve to be here as well, and that he wants to be able to see everyone, so we each fairly get the chance,” Zendejas said. “At the end of the day, it all depends on us and how we respond to those opportunities that are given to us.”