US coach Mauricio Pochettino defends emailing players cut from World Cup squad

United States men’s national team manager Mauricio Pochettino responded to criticism over how he informed players of their status for the 26‑man World Cup roster. He emailed the players who were omitted and sent video messages to the 26 players who made the squad.

Pochettino said players generally do not want a call after being cut, citing his own experience as a player. He added that the situation kept him awake and prevented him from enjoying the selected group. Former US forward Herculez Gomez, recalling Jurgen Klinsmann’s voicemail method in 2014, called the approach inexcusable. The United States, co‑host of the tournament, open Group D against Paraguay on 13 June, followed by matches with Australia and Turkey.