Pochettino defends use of email to notify players excluded from US World Cup roster
US Men’s National Team head coach Mauricio Pochettino has explained his decision to use email rather than phone calls to inform players they were not selected for the 2026 World Cup squad. The announcement of the 26-player roster was made publicly by US Soccer in New York City, but the communication method for those cut from the provisional 55-player list has sparked debate among fans and former players.
Why this matters
How coaches communicate roster decisions can impact player morale and public perception of team management. The method chosen by Pochettino has drawn criticism from some former USMNT players who believe more personal communication is appropriate for such significant news. The discussion highlights differing views on professionalism and empathy in sports leadership.
Details of the roster announcement and communication
US Soccer revealed the final 26 players for the 2026 World Cup with a public event featuring the Brooklyn Bridge as a backdrop. Prior to the public announcement, the 55 players on the provisional roster were informed of their status via email from Pochettino. The 26 players selected received a video message from the coach.
This approach of using email to notify players who were not selected has been defended by Pochettino, who emphasized consistency in communication and questioned the value of personal calls in this context.
Pochettino’s rationale for email communication
Pochettino stated that calling each player individually to deliver the news would not be practical or helpful. He explained that telling a player they were not selected because another player is currently a better option is straightforward and does not require personal discussion. He also noted that the provisional roster included 55 players, making individual calls to all non-selected players difficult.
“What am I going to tell a player? Am I supposed to lie? I am going to say that another player is on the roster because today, in this period, he is a better option. I am not going to say that he is a better player or that you cannot make the roster in the future.”
Pochettino also shared his personal experience of being excluded from Argentina’s World Cup squads and how that shaped his views on communication.
Reactions from former USMNT players
Opinions among former US players vary. Landon Donovan, the USMNT’s joint all-time leading scorer, expressed understanding of Pochettino’s approach but acknowledged that some players might prefer a phone call, especially those with a long history on the team.
“If I was a part of the team for a long time, I would’ve wanted a phone call. If I’d not been part of the team for a long time, I wouldn’t have cared. Every player is different, though.”
In contrast, 2010 World Cup veteran Herculez Gomez criticized the email approach as “diabolical,” emphasizing that previous coaches like Bob Bradley and Jürgen Klinsmann personally informed players of their exclusion. Gomez highlighted that some players, such as Diego Luna, who was a key figure in past World Cups, deserved more personal communication.
“This is a harsh, harsh way to treat players that have for better or worse given their blood and sweat… You had no problem milking him for the marketing dollars and the least he deserved was an explanation.”
Considerations and next steps
Some have suggested that Pochettino could have made personal calls to players on the roster bubble, but the coach pointed out that treating some players differently could cause resentment among the group. The final roster must be submitted to FIFA by 1 June, with emergency changes allowed until the day before the US opener on 12 June.
Players like Diego Luna and Tanner Tessmann, who were not included in the initial 26, have not publicly commented on their exclusion or the communication method. There remains a possibility they could be added to the roster before the tournament.
Donovan noted that keeping players engaged on the alternate list is important in case they are called up later, suggesting that Pochettino is likely aware of this dynamic.
Pochettino’s closing remarks on communication
Pochettino emphasized that he cares deeply about the players and the decisions made, stating that he lost sleep over the selections. He believes that players who are cut do not want apologies but rather clear and honest communication.
“The players didn’t make the roster, they don’t want to hear me apologize… If I call, I say ‘I am very human about calling and giving an explanation.’”
Recommended reading
For more context, see related Peack News coverage and explainers linked below.
