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

USA national team coach Mauricio Pochettino has been quick to praise the quality ... Pochettino is not able to call on his European based players such as AC Milan winger Christian Pulisic, because the games are outside of Fifa's official dates for games.

They could care less about the noise that’s generated across comment sections and online forums that diminish MLS as a pipeline for the national team. The reality, though, is quite simple: January camp is not a collection of the country’s best players.

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.

Domestic league action is back this weekend with Arsenal vs. Aston Villa, Juventus vs. Milan and Manchester United vs. Brighton and Hove Albion all notable on top of the U.S. men's national team taking on Venezuela.

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

He would like his team to show the kind of relentless desire to win that the world champions 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;

World Cup history suggests there is always room for outsider to make a run at a World Cup squad, but the chances are slim

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