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USMNT Shakes Up Roster for Crucial World Cup Warm-Up Against Ecuador
10 Oct
Summary
- Mauricio Pochettino fields first-choice USMNT roster for the first time in months
- USMNT looks to rebound from disappointing CONCACAF Nations League performance
- Ecuador stunned CONMEBOL to finish second in World Cup qualifying
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup draws ever closer, USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino has finally assembled his first-choice roster for a crucial international friendly against Ecuador on Friday, October 10th. This marks the first time in months that Pochettino has had his full complement of top players at his disposal, a welcome change after facing heavy criticism for both performances and player selection.
The USMNT is looking to rebound from a disappointing showing at the CONCACAF Nations League last March, where they failed to meet expectations. In response, Pochettino has made sweeping changes, casting out regulars and spending valuable match time through the summer and early fall calling in fringe players to create genuine competition for places on the squad.
Now, with the World Cup just a year away, Pochettino will hope to see the fruits of his labor as the team faces a tough test against a 24th-ranked Ecuador side that stunned CONMEBOL to finish second in their World Cup qualifying standings. The South American nation had previously been docked points for fielding an ineligible player, making their achievement all the more impressive.
