USMNT Midfielder Aims to Impress Mauricio Pochettino Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup Roster Decision

Mauricio Pochettino nears his World Cup squad decision, and USMNT star Cristian Roldan admits he’s working hard to impress the coach.

USMNT star Cristian Roldan is keen on making the squad for the FIFA World Cup. The Seattle Sounders standout has revealed what he is doing and what he believes he brings to the squad.

USMNT Star Looking To Impress Mauricio Pochettino Every Day

Roldan has started the MLS 2026 season well, scoring once in the first two games. He has been a regular in the Seattle Sounders side and the USMNT squad in recent friendlies, and the midfielder hopes to make the FIFA World Cup roster.

Speaking on “MLS On Air,” Roldan said he is working hard to impress USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino every day, knowing the Argentine is watching. He admitted his only chance to make the squad this summer is to play at the highest level and deliver what the manager wants from him.

When asked what X-factor he brings to the squad compared to other players, Roldan called himself a jack-of-all-trades. The midfielder believes he is a well-rounded player who can fit in at any position the manager needs.

Roldan added that he has no preference and is comfortable starting or coming off the bench to provide energy in the midfield. He said, “I do a lot of things pretty well. I don’t think I’m great at one thing, to be honest, but I think that’s what makes me such a well-rounded player. You can fit me in different spots, you know. I can help the starting group. I can also be that Energizer Bunny in the Midfield when my name gets called.”

READ MORE: Mauricio Pochettino Claims USMNT Squad Was ‘Easy To Guess’ Before He Took Over

The Sounders star added that he can be a chameleon in the squad, as his flexibility is a key factor in his game. The 30-year-old said his experience has made him a leader in the dressing room and claimed young players could learn from him, saying:

“You know, I think that’s the beauty of it. I can be flexible. I’m a chameleon. And I’m excited to hopefully show that and, you know, I’m 30 years old. Now, I’m a leader. I’m a big voice in the locker room, and a lot of our young guys could probably use a little bit of help with my experience.”

Roldan was part of the squads called up by Pochettino for all the international friendlies in 2025. He did not score in any of the games but managed two assists against Australia in October.

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