The term 'friendlies' has recently been buzzing in sports circles, particularly in soccer, as fans eagerly follow the U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT) in the lead-up to their September matches. Currently, the USMNT is preparing for high-profile friendly matches against Canada and New Zealand, and these games are drawing significant attention for several reasons.
One of the main factors driving the conversation around friendlies is the ongoing speculation about the potential appointment of Mauricio Pochettino, the former Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) manager, as the next head coach of the USMNT. While the team prepares for these non-competitive fixtures, all eyes are on U.S. Soccer as they inch closer to finalizing Pochettino's role. This combination of upcoming international games and coaching speculation has made 'friendlies' a trending topic with increasing interest.
Why 'Friendlies' Are Trending
The term 'friendlies' is trending with more than 1,000 searches and mentions as fans and media outlets focus on the upcoming USMNT matches. These are non-competitive games, often used by national teams to test new players, strategies, and formations without the pressure of tournament points or qualification at stake. However, the excitement surrounding these September friendlies goes beyond just the matches themselves. They come at a time when U.S. Soccer is on the verge of a significant managerial change, and players like Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun, and Giovanni Reyna are expected to feature prominently.
The media is also buzzing with reports that Mauricio Pochettino is close to being named as the next USMNT head coach, adding an extra layer of intrigue to these seemingly low-stakes games.
The Pochettino Saga: What's the Hold Up?
Mauricio Pochettino has been widely tipped to become the next head coach of the USMNT, but his appointment has yet to be officially confirmed. Several sources have reported that his move to U.S. Soccer is nearing completion, but the delay has left fans wondering what’s taking so long. According to a report by CBS Sports, negotiations have progressed slower than expected, despite widespread anticipation of his arrival. Pochettino, who has previously managed top clubs like Chelsea and PSG, is seen as an ideal candidate to lead the USMNT into the next phase of its development.
The delay could be attributed to various factors, such as contract negotiations, visa processing, or even discussions about his role in shaping the team for upcoming tournaments like the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Whatever the reasons, fans are eagerly waiting for an official announcement.
USMNT Deal for Pochettino "Nearing Completion"
For those closely following the situation, good news appears to be on the horizon. According to Fox Sports, sources indicate that the deal to bring Pochettino on board is almost done. The former Tottenham Hotspur manager has an impressive track record of developing young talent and fostering team unity, making him an appealing choice for U.S. Soccer as they look to continue building a competitive squad.
While the deal has not been finalized, the fact that it is reportedly nearing completion gives fans hope that Pochettino could soon be in charge, possibly even before or around the September friendlies. His potential appointment adds an extra layer of significance to these matches, as they could serve as a first glimpse into the team he will inherit.
The September Friendlies and Roster Highlights
Amid the speculation surrounding Pochettino, the USMNT has released its 24-player roster for the upcoming friendlies against Canada and New Zealand. These matches are crucial as they will provide opportunities for players to impress, especially with a new head coach likely watching closely. Notable names on the roster include AC Milan's Christian Pulisic, AS Monaco forward Folarin Balogun, and Borussia Dortmund midfielder Giovanni Reyna, who are all expected to play pivotal roles in the friendlies.
According to ESPN, the team will use these matches to prepare for more competitive fixtures in the future, but the focus will also be on giving some younger players a chance to shine. With a new coach potentially on the horizon, these friendlies could be an opportunity for fringe players to stake their claim for more permanent roles in the squad.
Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for USMNT
The excitement surrounding the USMNT's upcoming friendlies goes far beyond the matches themselves. With a roster full of promising talent and the imminent hiring of Mauricio Pochettino, the U.S. men's soccer program is at a pivotal moment. These friendlies will not only provide vital preparation for more competitive matches but also offer insights into the future direction of the team under new leadership.
As fans eagerly await official confirmation of Pochettino's appointment, the September friendlies will be a crucial testing ground for players looking to impress the new coaching staff. Regardless of whether Pochettino is in charge by the time the games kick off, these matches against Canada and New Zealand are shaping up to be more than just routine fixtures—they could be the beginning of an exciting new era for U.S. soccer.