Since taking over the U.S. men’s national team job just over a year ago, Mauricio Pochettino has surprised many fans and media members with just how much he’s utilized players from Major League Soccer.

With just a handful of international windows left until the 2026 World Cup, we’re looking at which MLS players could still make a play for a spot on the roster.

Goalkeepers

  • Matt Freese (New York City FC)
  • Matt Turner (New England Revolution)
  • Zack Steffen (Colorado Rapids)
  • Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew)
  • Roman Celentano (FC Cincinnati)

Almost in the blink of an eye, virtually the entire USMNT goalkeeping core is based in MLS. It seems clear that Matt Freese has earned Pochettino’s trust as the No. 1 option, and his performances in the Concacaf Gold Cup and even in the most recent window have largely backed it up. He’s a good shot stopper with OK distribution, and while he’s certainly not perfect, he’s head and shoulders above the rest of the options.

Matt Turner’s form with New England hasn’t been great, but he has plenty of international experience and should be in the picture. The choice for the third keeper could go multiple ways, and probably doesn’t make a huge difference either way. It won’t surprise anyone, though, if all three goalkeepers at the 2026 World Cup play in MLS.

Central defenders

  • Tim Ream (Charlotte FC)
  • Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC)
  • Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati)
  • Tristan Blackmon (Vancouver Whitecaps)
  • Jackson Ragen (Seattle Sounders)

Center back is another position where a surprising amount of MLS players could make an impact. Crystal Palace’s Chris Richards is the clear 1A option, but Charlotte’s Tim Ream still has the inside track to be his partner.

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