Source: Alexi Lalas State of the Union — LIVE REACTION SHOW: Mauricio Pochettino names roster ahead of Portugal & Belgium matches
Duration: 56 min
USMNT form and expectations
If this group of players that we have dubbed essentially pretty close to the roster go ahead and lose to Portugal and to Belgium, that conversation and that optimism almost instantly flips to once again, are we going to go out in flames this coming summer?
Noah Kai Banks dual-national recruitment
If in the next two months, Noah Kai Banks decides, yes, I do want to play for the U.S. at this World Cup, there's a great chance of him being in the squad.
I interpreted it that ship has sailed, and we wish him well. It's either the U.S. or nothing this summer. I'm not saying that he might not play for Germany later on. But as far as this summer, it's done for me.
World Cup 2026 squad selection
History would tell you it's basically the roster minus three or four guys. And those positions will go to players that are the hottest in those types of moments.
USMNT roster dynamics
Gio Reyna is back with the national team and Sebastian Berhalter might be going to the World Cup, the son of the fired coach. Amazing stuff.
Weston McKennie's importance
I think Weston McKennie is as important, if not more important than Christian Pulisic for this team next summer. Weston has that ability to be the heartbeat of this team.
USMNT goalkeeping situation
I really think this is Matt Fries's job. You know you have Turner there as a backup option. That's a great option. If something happens to Fries, Matt Turner knows what a World Cup is.
Mauricio Pochettino's leadership
I think it's important not for us on the outside, I think it's important for the team on the inside to feel like they have a man in charge in Mauricio Pochettino.
USMNT striker depth
I think Patrick Agyemang wins the tiebreaker over Haji Wright if it comes down to the two of them, unless there's some big, massive thing, because of the type of center forward he is and the profile Pochettino wants.
Tim Ream's role
I'm 1,000% comfortable with Tim Ream. That was a rough moment early in a season. It was a bad game for Charlotte FC. The thing with Tim Ream is he has Mauricio Pochettino's complete faith and trust.
Christian Roldan's squad value
I think there will always be a place for guys like Christian Roldan on these types of rosters. I will not blink. I will not hesitate for a nanosecond about Christian Roldan coming onto the field of the World Cup.
World Cup 2026 preparation
I have daily panic attacks, but that's normal. That's before every World Cup I've had.
