The United States men’s national team will face two major South American rivals in friendlies that should give the team a real test ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino’s latest squad announcement turned heads, especially since 11 of the 25 players come from Major League Soccer. The call-ups show just how far MLS has grown, with its players now confident of playing key roles for the national team as preparations for the sport’s biggest tournament continue.
MLS Talent in the national framework
Pochettino’s choice to bring in 11 MLS players makes it clear that he values what they are doing week in and week out in their own league. These call-ups speak volumes for the belief in MLS players and their ability to handle the speed and pressure of international games. Those who have an idea of who plays with confidence and carries that good form into the bigger tournaments can look at the best options for US punters. Current odds for the USMNT to win the 2026 World Cup range from +4000 to +6600 depending on the sportsbook, suggesting cautious optimism fueled by home advantage. Many fans follow the games through betting sites these days, checking the odds as the matches unfold. It’s an easy way to stay connected with what’s happening in both league and international football.
Tactical and statistical importance
The inclusion of so many MLS players changes the setup of the USMNT. Despite rumors earlier this season linking Mauricio Pochettino with Spurskeep the plan simple and clear. He wants an organized unit that presses together, with trusted MLS regulars to keep a high tempo and close down space quickly.
Robinson and Ream provide some calm to the defense when the game turns frantic, using their experience to keep those around them. They do not rush their decisions and know how to guide promising colleagues in tense moments. However, Robinson’s injury will leave Pochettino concerned about his current availability. Despite that, the USMNT has plenty of depth, and Roldan and Zawadzki will help keep the midfield stable even though Roninson is out with injury. These reliable midfielders will chase down loose balls and ensure the team stays connected from front to back.
MLS clubs in 2025 handled the ball a bit more easily, showing that they are increasingly confident in possession. They kept it longer, played with a little more patience and chose their passes better. That improvement says a lot about the league’s coaching and how players learn to stay calm when the game heats up.
Players like Diego Luna showcase a fresher group of players moving forward with confidence and style. He is willing to try something different near the goal, the kind of creativity often seen in South American or European players. This attitude adds variety to how the USMNT can play. This flexibility helps Pochettino make changes when necessary while keeping the side stable. The friendlies will give you an idea of how prepared the team is for tougher challenges at home.
MLS Global growth and recognition
The growing influence of Major League Soccer on the USMNT reflects how far the league has come in a relatively short time. Most American starters would have been playing their club soccer in Europe ten years ago. This has changed quite a bit since then. MLS clubs have invested real money in youth development, data usage and coaching, and it’s paying off. Many players choose to spend a little more time in MLS before making the jump overseas. So, when they enter the field of the national team, the rhythm does not surprise them. They’ve already faced that kind of intensity week after week in MLS.
The increase in MLS call-ups also speaks volumes about how far the league has come. European scouts now follow MLS games closely, looking for players who can combine athletic strength with tactical awareness. For Pochettino, this means more options and more talent to work with ahead of the World Cup as he will have to plan accordingly with many the most important nations are already booking their places to the beautiful game’s most prestigious tournament in 2026. As players continue to succeed both in the league and with the national team, MLS gains more respect abroad and the USMNT benefits from a pool of players who are fit, confident and accustomed to high-level competition.
Conclusion
The upcoming games give MLS players a real chance to test themselves against top rivals. The performances will be important for World Cup places and to show how far the national game has come. Each call-up feels like a small step forward for both the league and the national setup.
When players return to their clubs, the experience can inspire those around them. Teammates see the standard and aim higher. MLS and the USMNT feed off each other’s progress, and next year will show just how far that connection can go in tactics, preparation and global perception. If the league continues to grow and players continue to add experience overseas, MLS could soon be seen as a leading place for the development of American players.
