Pochettino’s MLS Focus Sparks Debate for USMNT Squad

Major League Soccer’s prominence has taken center stage in the latest USMNT squad, as Mauricio Pochettino selects a record 13 MLS players for upcoming friendlies. Only ten months before the 2026 World Cup, the decision has reignited longstanding conversations about the league’s place in global football.

Pochettino Backs MLS Talent for US National Team

Major League Soccer’s influence is immediately apparent in Pochettino’s latest non-January camp selection, with 13 domestic players forming the core of the squad. This marks the most MLS-heavy roster for the USMNT outside the usual January window, a significant move ahead of international fixtures against South Korea and Japan.

Pochettino’s approach is deliberate. “We need to give MLS the value because competing there, I think the players can show that they can perform in the national team,” he stated, defending his selection rationale. According to the USMNT manager, the competitive nature of MLS might even surpass some European leagues, challenging the belief that American players must move abroad to thrive.

Debating Major League Soccer’s Global Standing

The selection brings fresh scrutiny to MLS’s reputation. Former New York Red Bulls goalkeeper Luis Robles, now leading youth soccer initiatives in the US, is deeply invested in the question: Where does MLS stand in world football? The debate flares up every time a USMNT lineup is announced, especially when domestic players outnumber their European-based counterparts.

Christian Pulisic, the AC Milan star, headlines this squad. His presence spotlights Americans making waves overseas, but with many European-based names left out, attention shifts sharply to MLS’s role in shaping national team fortunes.

Pochettino Challenges European Assumptions

Pochettino’s remarks have intensified the conversation. “I think it’s not necessary to move from MLS to Europe, because sometimes the MLS—under my assessment—maybe is more competitive than some leagues in Europe,” he asserted. He points out that not all European environments offer consistent, high-caliber competition, whereas MLS provides rigorous weekly challenges.

This endorsement stands in contrast to opinions throughout the US soccer community. Former USMNT icon Taylor Twellman, now an Apple TV analyst, maintains that “it may be better for the individual to go to a European setup. You cannot have a blanket statement,” highlighting the complexities in player development choices.

MLS Representation and World Cup Implications

The timing of this MLS-heavy squad is crucial. With the World Cup on home soil less than a year away, Pochettino’s faith in domestic players could signal a shift in US soccer’s philosophy. It may also boost MLS’s credibility, motivating young American talents to pursue careers domestically rather than seeking immediate moves abroad.

Yet, skepticism remains. The global hierarchy is not easily swayed, and critics question whether MLS can truly compete with the established European giants. The risk is clear: will prioritizing MLS talent maximize the USMNT’s chances on the world stage, or does it expose a lack of depth compared to Europe’s top leagues?

Looking Ahead: The Future of MLS and US Soccer

Pochettino’s MLS-centric choices are as much about opportunity as they are about belief in the league’s progress. The coming friendlies will test whether MLS players can rise to the occasion against formidable international opponents.

For fans and analysts alike, the debate continues. The next roster announcements, performances, and results will shape perceptions about both MLS and the future of US soccer.

Opinion: MLS Must Prove Its Worth on the International Stage

Pochettino’s backing of MLS sends a powerful message—but the league’s players must now justify that confidence with performances against top opposition. While MLS has grown rapidly, its true quality will be measured by how its representatives fare in international competition. The USMNT’s evolving identity could benefit from a strong domestic foundation, but the real test lies ahead. For more news and updates on football’s global dynamics, visit for more news.