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The United States — a co-host of the 2026 FIFA World Cup — has been roiled over how national team coach Mauricio Pochettino notified players about his final roster decisions. On May 28 (KST), The Athletic reported Pochettino emailed players who were cut from his 55-player preliminary list before announcing his final 26-man World Cup squad the next day, while sending video messages to the players who made the team. Critics said the method showed a lack of respect and consideration. Former U.S. striker and current ESPN analyst Herculez Gomez called it unacceptable that Pochettino didn’t even call the players he cut. Gomez recalled that Jurgen Klinsmann informed him by voice message when he was left off the 2014 World Cup roster — a gesture he appreciated. Pochettino defended his decision, saying the emails were intended to spare players’ feelings. “When I was a player, I didn’t want the coach to call me if I didn’t make the squad,” he said. “Players who don’t make the list don’t want to hear me say ‘I’m sorry.’ What am I supposed to say? Lie to them?” He added, “I genuinely care about the players. I haven’t slept properly for the past two weeks. Even today I can’t fully enjoy this moment with the 26 players because I still think about those who were cut.” Reporter: Lee Jun-heum Audio: AI-dubbed reporter · Producer: Lee Jin-gyun Yonhap News TV tips and inquiries: KakaoTalk/Line jebo23 Lee Jun-heum (humi@yna.co.kr) #Pochettino #USA #WorldCup #NationalTeam #FinalRoster #Cut #Email
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