U.S. Coach Defends ‘Diabolical’ Way He Cut Players From World Cup Squad

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in June — and HuffPost will be live-blogging every twist, turn and controversy from the buildup through the final of what’s widely shaping up to be the most political soccer tournament of all time.From the action on the pitch to the potential chaos off it, the storylines are already piling up: Iran’s possible non-participation amid Donald Trump’s war, the president’s close relationship with FIFA’s Peace Prize-awarding President Gianni Infantino, and simmering tensions between the U.S. and fellow host nations Mexico and Canada fueled by Trump’s tariffs and divisive rhetoric.Trump’s travel bans could keep some fans out, there’s been fury over soaring ticket prices, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents could be present at games as the Trump administration continues its anti-immigration crackdown.Not to mention extreme heat concerns that scorched all those involved the last time the U.S. hosted the tournament some 32 years ago, in 1994.And that’s all before a ball has been kicked.U.S. President Donald Trump received the FIFA Peace Prize from FIFA President Gianni Infantino in December.Andrew Harnik via Getty ImagesOn the field, the men’s national teams from 48 countries will compete in a record 104 matches across the three host nations in what will be the biggest World Cup in history.Mexico will take on South Africa at the iconic Mexico City Stadium in the opening game on June 11. The U.S. will play Paraguay in Los Angeles on June 12, Australia in Seattle on June 19 and Turkey back in Los Angeles on June 25, in the group games, before potentially competing in the later knockout rounds.The final will be held on July 19 at MetLife Stadium, which is being temporarily rebranded as the New York/New Jersey Stadium for the competition.Current European champions Spain are favorites to lift the trophy. Defending champions Argentina, of Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi fame, along with France, England and Brazil, are also expected to be in the mix.Check out the full games schedule on the FIFA website.Follow along with our coverage below:U.S. Coach Defends ‘Diabolical’ Way He Cut Players From World Cup SquadMauricio Pochettino, the head coach of the U.S. men's national soccer team, has defended the way players were informed they had failed to make the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a method former star Herculez Gomez slammed as "diabolical."Players who did not make the final squad for the tournament, which starts on June 11, were informed by email.Critics argued a phone call would have been more dignified."What am I going to tell a player?" Pochettino, who months ago said he wouldn't be calling the axed players, told The Guardian on Tuesday. "Am I supposed to lie? I am going to say that another player is on the roster because today, in this period, he is a better option. I am not going to say that he is a better player or that you cannot make the roster in the future."The coach also pointed to the size of the provisional squad pool."There are 55 players on the provisional roster — and now I need to call [all]? Do I need to do that in March? In January camp? That is not the way."Read more on The Guardian:Latest Live UpdatesCanada Extends Soccer Coach's Contract Before World Cup Even StartsManager Jesse Marsch signed a four-year contract extension with Canada through the 2030 World Cup, Canada Soccer said on Monday.The American took charge in 2024 after succeeding John Herdman and guided Canada to a fourth-place finish at the 2024 Copa America as well as a FIFA ranking of 26 last year, its highest."From day one, I've felt a deep connection to this team, to this country, and to the direction of the program," Marsch said in a statement."I'm thrilled to make a longer-term commitment here, helping develop this program for years to come and continuing to push this group to the highest level."Canada, who will co-host the World Cup alongside the United States and Mexico, qualified automatically for the tournament and are preparing to announce their final squad later this week.Marsch, formerly coach of Leeds United and RB Leipzig, has compiled a record of 12 wins, 12 draws and five defeats with Canada.Canada Soccer said the extension was largely funded by five Canadian families and supporters connected to the men’s national team program.Canada host Uzbekistan in a June 1 friendly before facing Ireland on June 5 in their final World Cup warm-up.Marsch's side open their World Cup campaign on June 12 against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto before facing Qatar on June 18 and Switzerland on June 24 in Vancouver.U.S. Declined To Host Iran Squad For World Cup: Mexico PresidentIran's national soccer team will sleep in Mexico and travel to the U.S. on the days of its three World Cup matches after Washington declined to host the squad for the tournament, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Monday.Sheinbaum said FIFA approached her government after U.S. authorities said they did not want Iran staying in the country throughout the June 11-July 19 competition, even though Iran is scheduled to play three Group G matches there. "We have no reason to deny them the possibility of staying in Mexico," Sheinbaum told her daily press conference.Iran is due to face New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21 and Egypt in Seattle on June 26. The White House and the State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.U.S. President Donald Trump said in March that Iran was welcome to participate in the World Cup but that he did not believe it was appropriate for Iran's team to be in the United States "for their own life and safety."Mehdi Taj, head of Iran's football federation, said on Saturday the team's base would be moved from Arizona to the Mexican border city of Tijuana during the tournament. FIFA confirmed the move on Monday.Taj added that the swap would help avoid visa-related complications and allow direct Iran Air flights to Mexico.Iran's World Cup plans have been under scrutiny since late February, when the United States joined Israel in attacks on Iran, triggering a war that raised doubts over whether Tehran would send its team to play in one of the host countries.In March, Taj said Iran was in talks with FIFA about moving its group matches to Mexico on safety grounds, and Sheinbaum said Mexico would be open to hosting them. FIFA kept the schedule unchanged.The uncertainty fueled wider speculation about Iran's place at the tournament. In April, Trump's envoy for global partnerships, Paolo Zampolli, suggested Italy should replace Iran, prompting a dismissive response from Italian officials and FIFA.Iran qualified for a fourth consecutive World Cup by topping its group in the third round of Asian qualifying last year.U.S. Reveals Final World Cup Squad, And There Are Some Big CallsJust over three weeks out from the opening match on June 12, the roster representing the United States at this summer's home World Cup has been finalized.After years of buildup and months of conjecture, the 26-man United States roster, assembled by manager Mauricio Pochettino, was unveiled Tuesday at a televised event in New York."We are confident this is the best group of 26 players to help us achieve success at the World Cup," Pochettino said. "These were very difficult decisions, and we are thankful to all the players who were part of this journey. This group is very focused and ready to give everything they have to represent the United States and deliver performances that will make the fans and the country proud."As expected, the roster is anchored by a number of longtime American standouts playing in Europe: AC Milan forward Christian Pulisic, Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams and Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie.Each are among the 13 players returning for their second World Cup appearance, paired equally with 13 players who made their first World Cup.Pulisic leads all members of the U.S. squad in appearances (84) and goals (32) at the international level. He scored the lone goal of the Americans' only win at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, a 1-0 triumph which lifted the U.S. through to the knockout round."I'm so proud to represent this country," Pulisic said Tuesday. "I'm going to do my best to make you guys proud."There were plenty of uncertainties, though, about the roster heading into the reveal.Most notably, 23-year-old midfielder Gio Reyna has made the roster for his second World Cup despite not making a start for the USMNT since last December. That inclusion likely came over Lyon midfielder Tanner Tessmann, who was left off the roster even though he's expected to recover from the muscle strain he's been sidelined by before the World Cup begins next month.Another somewhat surprising roster addition was 28-year-old midfielder Alejandro Zendejas, who likely beat out Real Salt Lake midfielder Diego Luna for the spot.The United States squad ranks 16th in the current FIFA/Coca Cola World Ranking. That's been the American team's range since the last World Cup, ranking somewhere between 11th and 18th since 2021.While the United States has qualified for seven of the last eight World Cups since a drought from 1954-86. But the country has advanced past the Round of 16 just once in its last nine appearances, a run to the quarterfinals in 2002.Pochettino, while of Argentinian descent, is a big fan of the 1980 U.S. men's hockey team which stunningly won gold at the Lake Placid Olympics. That has been a rallying camp in the build-up to this home World Cup."We talk with the players about, ‘Why not us? Why not us?' I think it's important to really believe," Pochettino said on the broadcast. "In sport, the first thing is to believe. And then work really hard to try to earn what you want."The U.S. is in Group D of the World Cup, opening play June 12 against Paraguay in Inglewood, Calif., before matches against Australia (June 19 in Seattle) and Turkiye (June 25 in Inglewood, Calif.).The team's final tune-up friendlies are against Senegal (May 31 in Charlotte) and Germany (June 6 in Chicago).UNITED STATES WORLD CUP ROSTER:Goalkeepers: Chris Brady, Matt Freese, Matt TurnerDefenders: Max Arfsten, Sergiño Dest, Alex Freeman, Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Miles Robinson, Joe Scally, Auston TrustyMidfielders: Tyler Adams, Sebastian Berhalter, Weston McKennie, Cristian RoldanAttacking midfielders/wingers: Brenden Aaronson, Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, Malik Tillman, Tim Weah, Alejandro ZendejasForwards: Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, Haji WrightLionel Messi’s World Cup Preparations Clouded By Injury ConcernInter Miami star Lionel Messi was suffering from muscle fatigue in his left hamstring when he requested a sub Sunday during a 6-4 win over the visiting Philadelphia Union, the club said Monday."After undergoing further medical tests this Monday, the initial diagnosis indicates an overload associated with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring," Inter Miami said in a statement. "The timeline for his return to physical activity will depend on his clinical and functional progress."Messi was seen grabbing at his upper thigh before he asked to sub out in the 73rd minute, and he headed directly to the locker room.Messi's ailment comes about one week before Argentina begins to prepare for its World Cup title defense at a training camp in Kansas City, Kan.It's unclear whether Messi will have to miss any time due to the overload. The Major League Soccer season has now begun its World Cup break, and Messi, 38, may return to training with Argentina or may need to rest further before matches begin.Argentina plays Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City, Mo. for their first group-stage match. Messi and company will also face Austria and Jordan as part of Group J.Messi helped Argentina win its first World Cup since 1986 and its third overall four years ago in Qatar. He won the Golden Ball for the tournament's top player.Soccer Star’s World Cup Plans Hit Snag After Passport TheftSaudi Arabia defender Saud Abdulhamid will arrive late to the national team's camp ahead of the World Cup after his passport was stolen during a break-in in Amsterdam, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation said on Monday."The Saudi Arabian Football Federation wishes to provide an official update regarding Saud Abdulhamid's delayed arrival at the national team's training camp as preparations continue for the final phase ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026," SAFF said in a statement."The player was unable to travel to Riyadh today as scheduled after his private vehicle was broken into in Amsterdam, where he was with his family for his wedding ceremony. The incident resulted in the loss of personal belongings, including his passport."SAFF said it was working with authorities to resolve the issue."The Saudi Arabian Football Federation is coordinating with the Ministry of Sport to follow up on the investigation and is also working with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Netherlands to issue the necessary documents to enable the player to join the squad," the statement added.Abdulhamid, who plays for French side RC Lens on loan from Italy's AS Roma, has been named in newly appointed coach Georgios Donis's 30-man preliminary squad.The Saudi national team has travelled to the United States for training camps in New York and Texas, where they will fine-tune their preparations with friendlies against Ecuador, Puerto Rico and Senegal.Saudi Arabia will compete in Group H at the World Cup alongside Spain, Uruguay and Cape Verde.Out-Of-Form Star Makes U.S. World Cup Squad: ReportThe biggest question leading up to the announcement of the United States' World Cup roster apparently was answered on Friday when The Athletic reported that Gio Reyna made the squad.Reyna, 23, is a skillful playmaker, but his extensive injury history, lack of form at the club level and past attitude issues with the national team make him a controversial choice by coach Mauricio Pochettino.In the current season, Reyna made only four starts and appeared in just 19 games for Borussia Monchengladbach. He managed just one goal and no assists. He played the prior six seasons for Borussia Dortmund in Germany (along with a brief loan spell with Nottingham Forest in England). After starting 23 times and logging four goals and five assists for Dortmund in 2020-21, Reyna saw his playing time greatly limited due to injuries in ensuing years.Reyna has nine goals in 36 games for the U.S. men's national team, but his greatest domestic fame might have come as a result of his lack of playing time at the 2022 World Cup. He reportedly was nearly kicked off the squad due to his reaction to being a reserve.The other big surprise regarding the reported U.S. roster is the absence of Real Salt Lake midfielder Diego Luna. In 18 national-team appearances, the 22-year-old has four goals. He is known for his gritty approach, personified by him staying in a friendly last year against Costa Rica despite breaking his nose.Players who were on the bubble but did make the U.S. squad, according the report, were Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner, Toulouse (France) center back Mark McKenzie and Leeds United (England) winger Brenden Aaronson.Berhalter, 25, is the son of ex-USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter.Pochettino is scheduled to reveal the 26-man roster at a Tuesday event in New York.Spain Heads To World Cup Without A Single Real Madrid PlayerEuropean champions Spain will travel to next month's World Cup with plenty of Barcelona swagger but no-one from Real Madrid after manager Luis de la Fuente named a 26-man squad on Monday built around eight players from the Catalan club.It is the first time since 1950 that Spain will go to a World Cup without a Real Madrid player in their squad, a striking absence for the 15-times Champions League winners as De la Fuente prepares to lead one of the tournament favourites.Defenders Dean Huijsen and Dani Carvajal were among the Real Madrid names to miss out, leaving Barcelona to provide the spine of a team chasing Spain's second World Cup title after their 2010 triumph in South Africa.De la Fuente played down the absence of the club's players, preferring to highlight those who are in the squad."I'm the manager and I don't look at where the players come from. They're national team players; I don't look at one club or another. I don't have the same local bias that a fan might have. All I want is for these players to feel proud to represent the national team," De la Fuente told reporters.Barcelona's contingent includes Joan Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Gavi, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres, while seven players called up are based in the Premier League."Excitement is the key word. Passion," De la Fuente said."The reaction of people all over Spain - adults and children alike - is that they are fully behind the national team. It is an honour for me to represent the national team."Arsenal provide three of Spain's Premier League-based players in goalkeeper David Raya and midfielders Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino, while Manchester City's Rodri gives De la Fuente a commanding presence in midfield.The coach also addressed the injury concern regarding Yamal and Nico Williams, who will arrive at the tournament nursing hamstring issues."We're very relaxed. Barring any setbacks, we'll have everyone available from the very first match. We're in close contact with the clubs' medical teams," he said."We'll call on them when we deem it appropriate. I'd like to reiterate that we'll have everyone in top form and we'll be able to enjoy watching them in the tournament."Spain will arrive at the World Cup carrying the confidence of their European Championship triumph in Germany two years ago, but with the weight of expectation from a passionate fanbase.Spain squad:Goalkeepers: Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), David Raya (Arsenal), Joan Garcia (Barcelona)Defenders: Pedro Porro (Tottenham Hotspur), Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid), Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Marc Pubill (Atletico Madrid), Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao), Eric Garcia (Barcelona), Alex Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea)Midfielders: Rodri (Manchester City), Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal), Gavi (Barcelona), Pedri (Barcelona), Fabian Ruiz (Paris St Germain), Mikel Merino (Arsenal), Alex Baena (Atletico Madrid)Forwards: Dani Olmo (Barcelona), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Yeremy Pino (Crystal Palace), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Victor Munoz (Osasuna), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Borja Iglesias (Celta)Shakira And Burna Boy Drop Star-Studded World Cup Anthem VideoShakira and Burna Boy have released the official video for their 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem, “Dai Dai.”The video features cameo appearances from stars hoping to light up this summer’s tournament in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Jr. and Rodri.Watch the video on YouTube.White House Issues World Cup Isolation Warning To DR Congo Squad Amid Ebola OutbreakThe Democratic Republic of Congo have no plans to change their warm-up preparations for the World Cup despite a warning from the United States that the team must isolate for 21 days before arriving in the country, a team official said on Saturday.Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House Task Force for the World Cup, confirmed to ESPN on Friday that the Congolese delegation needed to maintain a bubble where they are training in Belgium and isolate for 21 days or risk being denied entry after a deadly outbreak of the Ebola virus in the central African country.The Congolese team are to be based in Houston at the tournament and will play an opening Group K fixture against Portugal on June 17, followed by matches against Colombia on June 23 in Guadalajara, Mexico, and against Uzbekistan on June 27 in Atlanta."We've been very clear to Congo that they should maintain the integrity of their bubble for 21 days before they can then come to Houston on June 11," Giuliani said."We've made it very clear to the Congo government as well that they need to maintain that bubble or they risk not being able to travel to the United States. We cannot be any clearer."But a team spokesperson said that at this stage there was no change to their schedule in the coming weeks, which includes a friendly against Denmark in Liege, Belgium, on June 3 and another against Chile in Cadiz, Spain, six days later.The team had planned a three-day trip to Kinshasa next week as a celebratory send-off before heading to their first World Cup in 52 years but that was cancelled before the U.S. warning."We have kept our training programme. No player in the squad has come from DR Congo," the official said."The friendly matches are still scheduled. The only modification to the programme has been the cancellation of the Kinshasa leg."The entire squad of players are based outside the DR Congo, mostly in Europe, including coach Sebastien Desabre. A few team officials arrived at the training camp in Belgium from the DRC earlier this week.The World Health Organization on Friday raised to "very high" the risk of the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola turning into a national outbreak in the DRC and has declared the outbreak there and in neighbouring Uganda an emergency of international concern.Nearly 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths have been recorded following the outbreak in DRC.Iran Moves World Cup Base Out Of U.S.Iran’s World Cup training base has been moved from the United States to Mexico with the approval of FIFA, the president of the governing body of Iranian soccer said Saturday.Read more here:See All Updates