Pochettino Defends USMNT January Camp Amid World Cup Preparations

FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida — The U.S. men’s national team (USMNT) kicked off its annual January camp Friday, a tradition often met with skepticism by fans due to the absence of European-based players. With the 2026 World Cup just 510 days away, new head coach Mauricio Pochettino is determined to use the camp to evaluate domestic talent and build depth for the upcoming tournament.

The camp, held outside a FIFA international window, features 24 MLS players, including veterans like Walker Zimmerman and rising stars such as Diego Luna. The USMNT will face Venezuela on Saturday and Costa Rica on Wednesday in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, as part of its preparations. Pochettino emphasized the importance of the camp, stating, “This is the first time that I’ve heard of a camp being held outside of a FIFA match date. It’s important for the United States.”

Pochettino, who took over as head coach in 2023, defended the quality of MLS players, arguing that they should not be overlooked. “There are many players here who can play abroad,” he said. “We have to have an open mind to understand the talent level of the players regardless of where they play.” The Argentine coach also stressed the need for competition, warning European-based players that their spots are not guaranteed.

The January camp has long been a point of contention among USMNT supporters, who often view it as a second-tier gathering. However, Pochettino sees it as a critical opportunity to instill his philosophy and evaluate players in a competitive setting. “We want to give these players the same opportunities that we’ve given those players who play abroad,” he said.

Former USMNT coach Jurgen Klinsmann, speaking at the United Soccer Coaches Convention in Chicago, echoed the importance of Pochettino’s mission. “He’s coming in to make us maybe go to a quarterfinal or semifinal,” Klinsmann said. “That’s our wish from Pochettino. He is not coming in to change the youth soccer landscape or MLS. He will spend time gathering his players around him, figuring out who are the best players that I can bring to that World Cup.”

Despite the challenges, Pochettino remains focused on closing the gap between the U.S. and soccer powerhouses like Spain and Argentina. “The U.S. has to be more arrogant in our belief that we can be better,” he said. With the World Cup on home soil in 2026, the pressure is on Pochettino to deliver results, starting with this month’s friendlies.

Among the players to watch are goalkeeper Patrick Schulte, who has impressed with the Columbus Crew, and Diego Luna, the 2024 MLS Young Player of the Year. Both are looking to make an impression on Pochettino and secure their spots in the national team setup. “It’s always a competition,” said Zimmerman, a veteran defender. “You’re on the team for this roster, this camp, this training session.”

As the USMNT prepares for its matches, the focus remains on building a cohesive unit capable of competing on the world stage. While January camp may not excite fans, its significance in Pochettino’s World Cup preparations cannot be understated.