Copyright Athlon Sports
Mauricio Pochettino has announced the USMNT squad for the upcoming friendly matches against Paraguay and Uruguay — and the absence of Weston McKennie has sparked major debate among fans and pundits. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, Pochettino is still experimenting with his roster, aiming to add depth and determine his core lineup before the tournament. However, leaving out McKennie — one of the U.S.’s most consistent performers in Europe and a regular starter for Juventus — didn’t sit well with many. Former U.S. international Stuart Holden voiced his frustration on the State of the Union podcast, saying he was “disappointed” with Pochettino’s decision. “I think Weston McKennie needed to be with this group. Because one of the main things we always talk about with this national team is the lack of leadership — something he has the potential to bring, just like he does at club level.” Right after, Holden adressed the reason behind Pochettino’s decision not to call up McKennie. “So I’m disappointed that Mauricio Pochettino chose, at this moment, to say he doesn’t want to challenge Spalletti and leave Weston McKennie there.” Juventus recently appointed former Italy boss Luciano Spalletti after sacking Igor Tudor on October 30. Reports indicate Pochettino wanted to give McKennie time to adjust under the new coach, rather than disrupt his rhythm with travel and limited minutes in friendlies. Who Replaced Weston McKennie in the USMNT Squad? Mauricio Pochettino’s latest U.S. men’s national team roster raised eyebrows when Weston McKennie was left out despite being fully fit and active for Juventus. The omission sparked speculation among fans, but sources close to the team indicated it was a tactical decision rather than an injury concern. No single player was directly called up to replace McKennie’s spot in midfield, though the roster did include several options to fill the gap — most notably Giovanni Reyna and Yunus Musah, both expected to shoulder more creative responsibility. The move signals Pochettino’s intention to experiment with different midfield dynamics as the U.S. continues its preparation for the 2026 World Cup.
