Crunch time is coming. The start of this summer’s World Cup is less than 100 days away. It’s an exciting time, no doubt, but for players, these can be nervy days. Especially right now, given that the U.S. men’s national team hasn’t been together since November.
A lot has happened since then, and the upcoming March training camp – which features matches against Belgium (March 28) and Portugal (March 31) in Atlanta – is of the utmost importance because it’s the last one before Mauricio Pochettino’s final 26-man roster is announced.
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Those who get called up in March will feel some relief, while those who don’t will feel their stress levels rise. Here’s who has improved their cases, who has work to do:
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Johnny Cardoso, Midfielder, Atlético Madrid
(Photo by Bruno Penas/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Cardoso made this list last week after scoring his first goal for the club. This week, he started and played 90 minutes in Atleti’s 3-0 loss to Barcelona. Despite the defeat, they advanced to the Copa del Rey final on 4-3 aggregate.
After battling injuries, Cardoso seems to finally be getting into a rhythm at a big La Liga club. He hasn’t played for the USA since last summer and hasn’t had a statement game to prove to Pochettino why he deserves a World Cup roster spot yet. But, perhaps his recent club performances and consistency might earn him a March call up.
Weston McKennie, Midfielder, Juventus
(Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
McKennie is no doubt the hottest USA player right now. Whether he’s scoring goals or showing off his versatility and playing different positions for coach Luciano Spalletti, his name is constantly making headlines. And he’s likely at the top of Pochettino’s list for March camp.
This week, McKennie signed a new deal at Juventus that keeps him with the Serie A club until 2030. McKennie will reportedly make $7 million per year – a well-earned deal given he’s scored eight goals so far this season.
“McKennie has been a powerful tool on both the right and left wings for [manager] Luciano Spalletti, successful the hearts of the followers, and he’s now reaping the rewards of his every day laborious work in coaching,” Juventus stated in a press release.
Antonee ‘Jedi’ Robinson, Fullback, Fulham
(Picture by Tiego Grenho/MI Information/NurPhoto through Getty Photos)
It’s a reduction for USA followers to see Robinson within the “top off” part right here. Robinson went 90 for Fulham in a 1-0 loss to West Ham on Wednesday – it was his first Premier League look since Feb. 1 (he began in a FA Cup match vs. Stoke Metropolis on Feb. 15). He’d been coping with a minor ankle difficulty, which was regarding as a result of Robinson had beforehand missed a lot time after recovering from a nagging knee harm. However enjoying all the match and never having to regularly construct up health is big.
Fulham subsequent performs Southampton in a FA Cup match on Sunday.
Josh Sargent, Striker, Toronto FC
Lastly, the saga is over. Sargent has left Norwich Metropolis and joined Toronto FC for a reported $22 million in charges. The striker signed a five-and-a-half yr contract that may maintain him with the MLS membership via June 2031.
Whereas the drama surrounding Sargent’s need to maneuver nearer to household in North America is behind him, what’s nonetheless forward is the truth that there’s not a lot time left to impress Pochettino. Sargent has had his possibilities, however has struggled to attain targets for the nationwide staff.
Perhaps if he can get off to a fast begin in Toronto, issues shall be completely different? We’ll see. His type might have dipped within the final month after he was demoted to coach with the U21 staff in Norwich whereas ready for this switch. Even so, it’s a internet constructive that he’s again in MLS forward of a pivotal summer time.
Inventory Down
Diego Luna, Ahead, Actual Salt Lake
(Picture by Alex Goodlett/MLS through Getty Photos)
Luna remains to be out with a knee harm and has not performed in a match for his membership but this season. After a breakthrough season in 2025, Luna appeared like a lock to make Pochettino’s World Cup roster. He nonetheless ought to, however his availability for March camp shall be key. RSL travels to Atlanta this weekend, so we’ll get a well being replace then.
Matt Turner, Goalkeeper, New England Revolution
(Picture by Caean Couto/Getty Photos)
Turner, who was the USMNT’s beginning goalkeeper on the 2022 World Cup, misplaced his spot to Matt Freese lower than a yr in the past. Freese, who performs for NYCFC, began the final 12 matches of 2025 for the U.S., together with each sport in final summer time’s Gold Cup.
Turner is the last word competitor and desires his spot again. A lot in order that he joined the Revs final summer time on mortgage from Lyon via June 2026. He’s enjoying extra now, which is a plus, however the membership is 0-2 to start out the season. Pochettino should see far more from him to ensure that Turner to switch Freese.
Christian Pulisic, Ahead, AC Milan
(Picture by Claudio Villa/AC Milan through Getty Photos)
Pulisic goes to be the face of the USA squad on the World Cup this summer time. There’s no query about that in any respect. However his present type is mildly regarding. The star ahead has not scored a aim in 9 straight matches for AC Milan. If this drought continues, it will likely be an unlucky story line that Pulisic should deal with throughout coaching camp later this month.
