When it pertains to the

U.S. men’s national team

Manager Mauricio Pichettino doesn’t have an entirely clean slate. The main group of players who made it to the knock-out stage of the 2022 competition remains largely unchanged.

World Cup

remains in place.

But with the 2026 World Cup, which is being co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the U.S., little more than a year away, the Argentine can be forgiven for feeling an urge to erase some parts of the picture while filling in a few additions of his own. That’s what last March’s woeful showing at the Concacaf Nations League, in which the U.S. fell to

Panama

in the semifinals and

Canada

In the match for third place, how does this affect a manager’s thinking? Keeping that performance recently in perspective, there could be an increasing urge to explore alternative choices.

Now, Pochettino did engage in a degree of experimentation during the CNL.

Real Salt Lake

midfielder

Diego Luna

surfaced as an up-and-coming talent, a unpredictable option who provides the U.S. manager with additional attacking choices. Similarly, this applies to

Charlotte FC

forward

Patrick Agyemang

, with the

Vancouver Whitecaps

‘

Brian White

also getting some looks.

Circumstances, even beyond results, might open the door a bit wider for some additional new blood.

The

Concacaf Gold Cup

begins next month, and includes entities like

Timothy Weah

and

Weston McKennie

will not be accessible because of

Juventus

‘ Club World Cup commitments. The same could be true for

Giovanni Reyna

if he hasn’t yet extracted himself from his

Borussia Dortmund

hell. Additionally, there are two friendly matches scheduled for early June against

Turkey

and

Switzerland

To enable Pochettino the opportunity to sign some fresh talent.

With that in mind, here are a few potential candidates who have yet to get a look under Pochettino, but have made their case for a call-up and made U.S. Soccer’s 60-man preliminary roster.


Paxten Aaronson

| Central midfielder | 21 |

FC Utrecht

(on loan from

Eintracht Frankfurt

)

This season, Aaronson has taken on multiple positions in Utrecht’s midfield, often playing further back and occasionally moving forward. However, he generally tends to favor the left side of the midfield area. Despite these varying roles, his contributions—eight goals and four assists—have significantly aided Utrecht in achieving a fourth-place standing, which qualifies them for the preliminary stages of the UEFA competition.

UEFA Europa League

) but he was recently nominated for the Johan Cruyff Young Talent of the Year award as the Dutch league’s top young player. He’ll head back to Frankfurt next season with a better shot of remaining with the first team.

As for the USMNT, Aaronson’s versatility should stand him in good stead with Pochettino, and McKennie’s presumed absence could create an opening for some playing time. Like everyone on this list, he has made the 60-man provisional roster for the

Gold Cup

.


Tristan Blackmon

| Defender | 28 | Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Blackmon is something of a late bloomer. He’s a product of the U.S. college system, having played at the University of the Pacific, and started his professional career as a right back with

LAFC

He was invited to participate in the January camp with the USMNT in 2021, however, he had to sit out due to an injury.

Blackmon slowly established himself as a central defender for Vancouver and has had an impressive beginning to the season, significantly contributing to theCaps’ victory in the Concacaf Champions Cup.

Inter Miami CF

Blackmon excelling at dishing out assists from the backend has been noteworthy, placing him in the top 1 percent for this metric.

MLS

when it comes to progressive passes completed among defenders, based on research.

Blackmon’s advancement might coincide perfectly with the needs of the USMNT, particularly since their center-back performance during the CONCACAF Nations League was uneven. However, the USMNT isn’t alone in recognizing Blackmon’s impressive form this season. According to sources, Canada has also taken notice of his displays.

asking whether Blackmon might play for the Canadian Men’s National Team

.


Sebastian Berhalter

| Midfielder | 24 | Vancouver Whitecaps FC

In 2021, Berhalter seemed on his way out of MLS after an indifferent season with

Austin FC

However, his transfer to Vancouver reignited his career. No player has profited as much from their efforts in the Concacaf Champions Cup as Berhalter, who scored two goals and provided two assists in the semifinals against Miami, crucial for eliminating them. This tournament has highlighted Berhalter’s all-over-the-pitch runs and his exceptional knack for appearing precisely when needed to conclude offensive plays with precision.

Like Aaronson, Berhalter faces a crowded midfield for spots, especially with the likes of

Johnny Cardoso

returning after missing out on the CNL. But the Vancouver midfielder’s ability on set pieces — long a sore spot for the U.S. — should also stand him in good stead.


Quinn Sullivan

| Midfielder | 21 |

Philadelphia Union

In the Sullivan household, Cavan has received most of the attention of late, given his scheduled move to

Manchester City

However, elder sibling Quinn has discreetly amassed an outstanding performance over the initial three months of the season with the Philadelphia team. With seven assists, he ranks second in MLS, and his tally of 30 crucial passes stands as the eighth highest count across the league. This contribution has significantly aided the Union’s position in second spot within the Eastern Conference.

Sullivan’s typical position on the left wing is usually taken by another player.

Christian Pulisic

, but there’s no issue with him playing at greater depths, particularly considering Sullivan’s skill when he’s dribbling and his creative flair. He has also demonstrated the capacity to appear in various parts of the field.

The sole query remaining: Will Pochettino provide him an opportunity?


Caleb Wiley

| Defender | 20 | Watford (loan from

Chelsea

)

On the surface, there was considerable disruption during Wiley’s season. He was first sent out on loan.

Ligue 1

side

Strasbourg

However, due to a couple of injuries (knee tendinitis and a separated shoulder), he could manage only six league outings, causing his loan spell to be prematurely ended. In contrast, Wiley performed significantly better when subsequently loaned out to Watford for their campaign in the English Championship. This impressive display has sparked discussions about potentially bringing him back to the Hornets through yet another temporary arrangement next year.

Regarding the U.S., the lack of both

Antonee Robinson

and

Sergiño Dest

during the CNL showed there still isn’t much depth at the fullback positions. This is especially true in terms of players with ability to get forward, a strength of Wiley’s. At present, there is an opportunity there for him to make his mark.