USMNT Coach Pochettino Criticizes Pulisic Over Gold Cup Absence Amid Team Discord

The U.S. Men's National Soccer Team, under head coach Mauricio Pochettino, is experiencing internal conflict ahead of the 2026 World Cup, highlighted by a public dispute with star player Christian Pulisic. Pulisic chose to skip the Gold Cup to manage his heavy workload with AC Milan but requested to play in two preparatory friendlies, which Pochettino rejected, emphasizing that players cannot dictate team decisions. The Argentine coach insisted that players must adhere to his plans and expressed frustration with those questioning his authority, stating, "I am not a mannequin." This disagreement reflects broader tensions as the USMNT has suffered recent defeats and faces pressure to perform in upcoming tournaments. Pochettino's firm stance has drawn criticism from former players and sparked debate about player rest versus team commitment. Overall, the situation underscores challenges in balancing individual player needs with team strategy as the Gold Cup and Club World Cup events unfold concurrently.