The October international window is going to be a critical one for Mauricio Pochettino and the USMNT. Even with a win over Japan to close out the September window, the Americans need to start building some positive momentum ahead of the 2026 World Cup. At the same time, Pochettino is trying to figure out who he'll be bringing to the World Cup next summer.
Time is starting to run out for Pochettino with just three international windows until he has to name his World Cup squad. At the same time, players on the fringe are running out of opportunities to impress the manager and earn a roster spot.