The summer World Cup may be just around the corner, but for a handful of young MLS stars, the dream of making the USMNT roster is very much alive. As Mauricio Pochettino prepares to finalize his squad—with the roster set to drop on May 26—fans are buzzing about which breakout talents could earn a surprise call-up.
Let's be honest: the team's final pre-World Cup camp in March wasn't exactly a highlight reel. Losses to Belgium and Portugal by a combined 7-2 scoreline left few bright spots for Pochettino to clip. But while the senior squad struggled, a new wave of MLS academy products has been turning heads. Among them, Zavier Gozo and Julian Hall are emerging as contenders who could shake up the conversation.
It's no secret that the USMNT has some positional headaches. Central midfield is stacked with in-form options, but elsewhere, questions linger. Matt Turner's MLS form is solid, but his only international start in the last 14 games ended in a 5-2 defeat. Christian Pulisic hasn't scored in 18 games for club or country. Gio Reyna remains a bit-part player, and Noahkai Banks hasn't yet committed his international future. Can you blame fans for looking at the next generation?
Pochettino has made it clear throughout his tenure that he's building the best team possible—even if that means leaving top individual talents off the roster. But integrating an untested player during a World Cup camp and group stage is a gamble few coaches take. Before you bring up Theo Walcott's 2006 World Cup inclusion, remember that the then-17-year-old didn't play a single minute. It was more a cautionary tale than a blueprint for success.
For this latest crop of MLS youngsters, the 2026 World Cup will likely come too soon. The more realistic prize is being in contention for a starting spot in 2030. But if Pochettino falls for a spring upstart who's dominating for their club, it'll be one of these academy breakouts. With the wings being a particular area of need—Pulisic and Tim Weah have held those spots since 2022, but depth is thin—the door is cracked open for a surprise.