Pulisic has been one of the United States’ leading attacking players and a central figure in the team’s recent rise. Leaving him out would therefore be more than a routine rotation choice.
The report links the tension to his absence from the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup, when the United States reportedly lost the final to Mexico. That explanation has not been independently established, so the squad announcement will matter more than the speculation surrounding it.
If Pulisic is omitted, Pochettino would be making a clear statement about standards and selection authority. He would also be asking the team to build attacking momentum without its most established wide threat.
The next international window is reportedly set to include four friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada. Those fixtures would give Pochettino room to test younger players while beginning the long build towards the 2030 World Cup.
The report identifies Cavan Sullivan, aged 16, and Adri Mehmeti, aged 17, as possible additions. Their involvement would underline a shift from relying on the established core to expanding the pool around it.
That does not necessarily make Pulisic’s absence permanent. Friendlies are often used to reset relationships, assess alternatives and create competition across the squad.
The next roster announcement will reveal whether this is a one-window decision or the first sign of a deeper break. Pulisic’s response at club level-and any future contact with Pochettino-will shape the next chapter.