The USMNT will be missing several integral players, including Christian Pulisic, when it takes on Venezuela and Costa Rica later this month.

New USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino is looking for players who play with the same pride and passion as he sees in Argentina.

The upcoming USMNT friendlies serve as a crucial stepping stone towards the 2025 Gold Cup and CONCACAF Nations League Finals. Many MLS players will be hoping to impress manager Mauricio Pochettino and earn a place in the squad.

USA national team coach Mauricio Pochettino has been quick to praise the quality of American players but says he wants to inject some Argentine spirit and patriotism into his squad.

These two games have been organised by US Soccer (at Pochettino’s request) in conjunction with both the Costa Rican and Venezuelan FA’s and because the games fall outside FIFA’s international window, the USMNT’s Europe-based stars will not participate as there is no obligation from their clubs for their release.

Pulisic, 26, now has 10 goals and six assists in 21 appearances this season after going all 90 minutes in his return from injury for AC Milan

Mauricio Pochettino has been quick to praise the quality of American players but says he wants to inject some Argentine spirit and patriotism into his squad.

The United States men's national team plays the first of their two January international friendlies on Jan. 18 taking on Venezuela.

Mauricio Pochettino says he would like his USA squad to show the kind of relentless desire to win that the world champions Argentina have made their trademark.

The United States Men's National Team is gearing up for two international friendlies against Venezuela and Costa Rica. These games represent head coach Mauricio Pochettino's third cycle in charge of the USMNT;

GOAL looks at five key players who need a January move to secure a potential spot on the USMNT's 2026 World Cup roster