Pochettino’s March camp is effectively a final audition for his World Cup 26; players like Sebastian Berhalter, Aidan Morris and Joe Scally should be called up. Betting tip: expect Berhalter to be included as a set-piece threat — consider markets on the USMNT to score from a set piece or on Berhalter to register a goal/assist. March friendlies vs Belgium and Portugal could shift roster odds ahead of May cuts.
March Window Becomes De Facto Final Audition for Pochettino’s World Cup Squad
Mauricio Pochettino has signaled that his late-May roster will likely resemble his World Cup squad, putting enormous pressure on the March international window. With friendlies against Belgium and Portugal in Atlanta looming, this camp is the last clear opportunity for fringe players to make an impression before May’s near-final roster decisions.
Three Players Who Could Tilt Final Selection
Sebastian Berhalter — Set-piece Quality and Box-to-Box Energy
Sebastian Berhalter elevated his stock across 2025 and into 2026 with tireless box-to-box work and excellent ball-winning instincts. At 24, the Vancouver Whitecaps’ transition into a 4-2-3-1 has showcased his ability to thread quick passes to onrushing strikers and deliver dangerous set pieces. His goal and assist from dead-ball situations late last year underline a tangible attacking threat, making him a strong candidate for a midfield depth role on the World Cup roster.
Aidan Morris — Championship Form and Late-Game Spark
Aidan Morris has pushed his case while starring for Middlesbrough in the English Championship. The 24-year-old provides ball progression and physicality from defensive midfield; this season he has three assists in 29 starts and ranks in the top 12 percent for expected assists per 90 among similar players in the league. Morris projects as a late-game energy option able to influence offensive transitions — a valuable asset against elite international opposition.
Joe Scally — Right-back Depth with Versatility
With Sergiño Dest sidelined by injury, Joe Scally deserves consideration as right-back depth. The Borussia Mönchengladbach regular has started games at right back and right wingback while navigating a tense Bundesliga season. Scally offers defensive solidity and the adaptability to slot into a back three or a wingback system, though his offensive output may depend on having a more aggressive wide partner. He appears primed to compete with Villarreal’s Alex Freeman for the second right-back roster spot.
Tactical Implications and What Pochettino Must Weigh
Pochettino’s squad construction will hinge on system choice — back three versus four — and the balance between experienced starters and utility depth. If the USMNT leans into a back three, versatility from fullbacks who can play both as wider center-backs and as attacking wingbacks will be prioritized. Midfield depth that combines defensive shielding with set-piece delivery could swing close calls in selection.
What This Means for Bettors
March friendlies versus high-quality European sides will reshape betting markets tied to final rosters and player prop lines. Punters should monitor squad announcements for clues: inclusion of Berhalter increases the US set-piece threat and could make markets for the US to score from set pieces more attractive. Late-call inclusions like Morris or Scally may also open value on substitutes to make an impact or on defensive markets for the US in June.
Next Steps Before the World Cup
Expect an expanded roster for the Atlanta friendlies as coaching staff narrow options ahead of May.
Revealed – Argentina FA Proposed to Stage Finalissima In Italy – UEFA Declined
Performances in this window will be scrutinized not only for lineup decisions but for how well players adapt to Pochettino’s tactical blueprint under pressure.
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