US Men’s National Team coach Mauricio Pochettino announced the final 26-man roster for the 2026 World Cup on May 26 in New York City, sending video messages to the chosen players and emails to those left out of the squad [1, 2].
Pochettino defended notifying cut players by email rather than phone, saying they would not want to talk immediately after being cut and he did not want to offer empty apologies or lie. "I had difficulty sleeping for two weeks leading up to the announcement and am still thinking about those not selected," he said [1, 2].
The team will open Group D play against Paraguay on June 13, followed by matches against Australia and Turkey [1].
Former US forward Herculez Gomez criticized Pochettino’s decision as "inexcusable," contrasting it with 2014 coach Jurgen Klinsmann who left voicemails for cut players like Landon Donovan. Gomez said calling players was more respectful [1].
Fans and former players have debated the best way to notify those cut, with some supporting Pochettino’s emphasis on honesty and avoiding immediate calls, while others favor more personal contact. Donovan offered a more nuanced view, understanding Pochettino’s approach but also recalling his own personal notification in 2014 [2].
The USMNT’s first World Cup match is scheduled for June 13, marking the start of their campaign in front of a home crowd [1, 2].
