With the USMNT World Cup roster set to be announced on 26 May, manager Mauricio Pochettino faces difficult decisions. The team's final pre-World Cup camp in March ended with losses to Belgium and Portugal by a combined 7-2 scoreline, highlighting issues across the squad. While central midfield boasts depth, other positions lack form: Christian Pulisic is goalless in 18 games for club and country, and Gio Reyna remains a bit-part player.
Pochettino has emphasised building the best team possible, even if it means leaving out top individual talents. Integrating an untested player during a World Cup is rare; Theo Walcott's unused role in 2006 serves as a cautionary tale. For the latest wave of promising MLS youngsters, this tournament likely comes too soon, but they could be contenders for 2030.
One area of concern is wing depth behind Pulisic and Tim Weah. Zavier Gozo, 19, brings dynamism and fearlessness in wide areas, with lateral dribbling that may surpass the established starters. The Utah native, who featured in last year's U-20 World Cup, is also adept at precise shots. His path to a call-up may be complicated by Pochettino's narrower formation, but he could provide a jolt in the final third.
Julian Hall, who turns 17 on 6 April, has impressed as the midfield heartbeat of New York Red Bulls under head coach Michael Bradley. The Staten Island native, of Albanian descent, has drawn comparisons to Sergio Busquets for his distribution and screening, though concerns about mobility have led to four yellow cards in 10 games. His passing ability is elite for his age, but his quickness may need improvement.
