Alexi Lalas backed Weston McKennie for the USMNT’s 2026 World Cup squad following his recall for the October friendlies. The Juventus midfielder had been absent from Mauricio Pochettino’s recent rosters, raising doubts about his role. But with the manager calling this group his potential A squad, McKennie’s inclusion is an encouraging sign.
Getty ImagesMcKennie's national team future
Lalas, the former USMNT star, made predictions for the 2026 World Cup roster.
“I recognize that he is a flawed player," Lalas said on his State of the Union podcast, referrring to McKennie "And then, and I think I said before, he has absolutely the capability of irritating any coach or manager for things that he does on the field. You take the good with the bad. I think the good far outweighs it. Now, he's not irreplaceable, but yeah, I think, I think he makes the team and I think he finds a way to your point, which he kind of always does, to work himself into being a starter for that team.”
AdvertisementGetty Images SportPulisic's club excellence earns praise
Lalas had a more nuanced position regarding AC Milan star Christian Pulisic, separating appreciation for his current performances from lingering disappointment over his Gold Cup absence this summer.
“He's doing great,” Lalas said of Pulisic. “And two things can be true. I can be disappointed at his decision this summer and still rejoice and give him all of his flowers right now with what he's doing. I hope he stays healthy and I hope he continues doing what he's doing throughout this season and then parlays that into a hell of a summer next summer.”
Pulisic has started the Serie A season in incredible form, scoring four goals and two assists in five games.
Getty Images SportOmissions concerning at this stage
Lalas said that if a player is a healthy scratch from Pochettino's October call-ups, they should be worried about their chances of playing in next year's World Cup.
“If you are a player that has been involved in camps, that is healthy, and you're not on this list, that's not a good thing for you, it's not," he said. "Doesn't mean it's the end, but the time is running out, and this is absolutely a window that you want to be involved with if you're healthy.”
Gladbach's Joe Scally, Atalanta's Yunus Musah and Norwich's Josh Sargent were among the notable players left off Pochettino's October friendlies squad.
AFPImportant friendlies ahead
The upcoming matches against Ecuador on Oct. 10 and Australia on Oct. 14 represent important opportunities for players to establish themselves in Pochettino's USMNT plans.