For USMNT’s World Cup bubble players, a stressful waiting game is part of the deal

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup weeks away, fringe players are in a tense battle for spots on Mauricio Pochettino's 26-man USMNT roster. Pochettino has identified a core group including Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Antonee Robinson, but late-season injuries to Patrick Agyemang and Johnny Cardoso have opened unexpected opportunities for bubble players. Cardoso, considered a near-certain selection, is now likely out of contention, reshuffling the competition for remaining roster spots.