@americanbootroom.bsky.social
The USMNT Is 'Getting Grouped in 2026’ Take Is Lazy. Let’s Fix It
#USMNT #worldcup2026
open.substack.com/pub/american...
#USMNT #worldcup2026
open.substack.com/pub/american...
The USMNT Is 'Getting Grouped in 2026’ Take Is Lazy. Let’s Fix It
The new 2026 World Cup format makes advancement easier than ever — and the USMNT is better positioned than people think.
open.substack.com
November 5, 2025 at 4:17 PM
The USMNT Is 'Getting Grouped in 2026’ Take Is Lazy. Let’s Fix It
#USMNT #worldcup2026
open.substack.com/pub/american...
#USMNT #worldcup2026
open.substack.com/pub/american...
Daryl Dike back on the pitch after everything he’s been through — that’s a win worth celebrating.
At the same time, tough news for Cameron Carter-Vickers with a serious Achilles injury.
Two Americans, two opposite stories — both part of the USMNT’s road to 2026.
At the same time, tough news for Cameron Carter-Vickers with a serious Achilles injury.
Two Americans, two opposite stories — both part of the USMNT’s road to 2026.
The Build-Up: Daryl Dike’s Return, Cameron Carter-Vickers’ Blow, and the Weekend Ahead for USMNT Players
From a long-awaited comeback to an untimely setback — here’s what to watch for Americans abroad.
f.mtr.cool
October 24, 2025 at 5:57 PM
Daryl Dike back on the pitch after everything he’s been through — that’s a win worth celebrating.
At the same time, tough news for Cameron Carter-Vickers with a serious Achilles injury.
Two Americans, two opposite stories — both part of the USMNT’s road to 2026.
At the same time, tough news for Cameron Carter-Vickers with a serious Achilles injury.
Two Americans, two opposite stories — both part of the USMNT’s road to 2026.
A “positive window” — until half the squad came back benched or banged up.
Pochettino raised a fair point: when you go from 90° Austin heat to cold Denver altitude, that’s not ideal recovery science.
Pochettino raised a fair point: when you go from 90° Austin heat to cold Denver altitude, that’s not ideal recovery science.
Why So Many USMNT Stars Came Off the Bench After the October Window
Between altitude swings, transatlantic travel, and new injuries, club managers are seeing what Pochettino was warning about.
tinyurl.com
October 21, 2025 at 4:59 PM
A “positive window” — until half the squad came back benched or banged up.
Pochettino raised a fair point: when you go from 90° Austin heat to cold Denver altitude, that’s not ideal recovery science.
Pochettino raised a fair point: when you go from 90° Austin heat to cold Denver altitude, that’s not ideal recovery science.
No Pulisic this weekend — but plenty of USMNT storylines.
Gio Reyna’s possible return, McKennie early for Juve, MLS Decision Day, and more.
Full weekend rundown in The Build-Up.
open.substack.com/pub/american...
Gio Reyna’s possible return, McKennie early for Juve, MLS Decision Day, and more.
Full weekend rundown in The Build-Up.
open.substack.com/pub/american...
The Build-Up: No Pulisic, No Problem — Here’s What to Watch This Weekend
From Gio Reyna’s possible Gladbach return to MLS Decision Day drama, there’s still plenty of USMNT action to track.
open.substack.com
October 17, 2025 at 5:30 PM
No Pulisic this weekend — but plenty of USMNT storylines.
Gio Reyna’s possible return, McKennie early for Juve, MLS Decision Day, and more.
Full weekend rundown in The Build-Up.
open.substack.com/pub/american...
Gio Reyna’s possible return, McKennie early for Juve, MLS Decision Day, and more.
Full weekend rundown in The Build-Up.
open.substack.com/pub/american...
Haji Wright’s form is catching fire 🔥
Two goals vs. Australia capped a window where the USMNT showed real roster movement.
My full World Cup Stock Watch is up now — who’s rising, falling, and freezing after October’s camp.
🧊 Read here: https://f.mtr.cool/wfruwmltfj
Two goals vs. Australia capped a window where the USMNT showed real roster movement.
My full World Cup Stock Watch is up now — who’s rising, falling, and freezing after October’s camp.
🧊 Read here: https://f.mtr.cool/wfruwmltfj
October 16, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Haji Wright’s form is catching fire 🔥
Two goals vs. Australia capped a window where the USMNT showed real roster movement.
My full World Cup Stock Watch is up now — who’s rising, falling, and freezing after October’s camp.
🧊 Read here: https://f.mtr.cool/wfruwmltfj
Two goals vs. Australia capped a window where the USMNT showed real roster movement.
My full World Cup Stock Watch is up now — who’s rising, falling, and freezing after October’s camp.
🧊 Read here: https://f.mtr.cool/wfruwmltfj
The USMNT looked like the better side in a 1–1 draw with Ecuador — sharper, more cohesive, and finally comfortable in Pochettino’s back three.
Now comes Australia. More tests, more tweaks, and a few new faces we’d like to see.
🇺🇸 Read the full piece → https://tinyurl.com/bdzm6w53
#USMNT #USAvAUS
Now comes Australia. More tests, more tweaks, and a few new faces we’d like to see.
🇺🇸 Read the full piece → https://tinyurl.com/bdzm6w53
#USMNT #USAvAUS
Back Three Belief: USMNT’s Ecuador Draw Shows Progress — and a Real Blueprint Emerging
The U.S. looked like the better side against Ecuador, and the optimism is real — but so is the need for patience. With Australia next, Pochettino’s team is finding its footing, one step at a time.
tinyurl.com
October 14, 2025 at 4:40 PM
The USMNT looked like the better side in a 1–1 draw with Ecuador — sharper, more cohesive, and finally comfortable in Pochettino’s back three.
Now comes Australia. More tests, more tweaks, and a few new faces we’d like to see.
🇺🇸 Read the full piece → https://tinyurl.com/bdzm6w53
#USMNT #USAvAUS
Now comes Australia. More tests, more tweaks, and a few new faces we’d like to see.
🇺🇸 Read the full piece → https://tinyurl.com/bdzm6w53
#USMNT #USAvAUS
Friday’s friendly vs Ecuador may not feature the full-strength USMNT.
Pulisic, Robinson, and Zendejas all missed training Thursday — and only one is confirmed out.
Still, Pochettino’s 3-4-2-1, and Cremaschi’s breakout for the U20s are top of mind.
Full preview on ⬇️
🔗
Pulisic, Robinson, and Zendejas all missed training Thursday — and only one is confirmed out.
Still, Pochettino’s 3-4-2-1, and Cremaschi’s breakout for the U20s are top of mind.
Full preview on ⬇️
🔗
USMNT vs. Ecuador Preview: Pochettino’s Plans Meet a Fitness Reality Check
Christian Pulisic and Antonee Robinson are being evaluated ahead of Friday’s friendly, while rising star Ben Cremaschi is making his own headlines at the U20 World Cup
f.mtr.cool
October 10, 2025 at 5:26 PM
Friday’s friendly vs Ecuador may not feature the full-strength USMNT.
Pulisic, Robinson, and Zendejas all missed training Thursday — and only one is confirmed out.
Still, Pochettino’s 3-4-2-1, and Cremaschi’s breakout for the U20s are top of mind.
Full preview on ⬇️
🔗
Pulisic, Robinson, and Zendejas all missed training Thursday — and only one is confirmed out.
Still, Pochettino’s 3-4-2-1, and Cremaschi’s breakout for the U20s are top of mind.
Full preview on ⬇️
🔗
This October camp feels different.
Pochettino knows his core — now he’s sorting out the rest.
The USMNT depth chart is taking shape, and the margins are getting thin.
🔗
Pochettino knows his core — now he’s sorting out the rest.
The USMNT depth chart is taking shape, and the margins are getting thin.
🔗
Inside the USMNT’s October Camp: Pochettino’s Depth Chart Takes Shape
Pochettino has seen what he needs to see — now comes the sorting
f.mtr.cool
October 6, 2025 at 2:29 PM
This October camp feels different.
Pochettino knows his core — now he’s sorting out the rest.
The USMNT depth chart is taking shape, and the margins are getting thin.
🔗
Pochettino knows his core — now he’s sorting out the rest.
The USMNT depth chart is taking shape, and the margins are getting thin.
🔗
Mauricio Pochettino’s October USMNT roster feels different.
The experimenting is done.
The core is starting to take shape.
But Poch made it clear: no name is guaranteed for 2026.
Read more:
open.substack.com/pub/american...
The experimenting is done.
The core is starting to take shape.
But Poch made it clear: no name is guaranteed for 2026.
Read more:
open.substack.com/pub/american...
Mauricio Pochettino Names His USMNT Roster: The Discovery Phase Is Over
This is no dress rehearsal yet, but the U.S. is shifting from auditions to fine-tuning
open.substack.com
October 2, 2025 at 10:31 PM
Mauricio Pochettino’s October USMNT roster feels different.
The experimenting is done.
The core is starting to take shape.
But Poch made it clear: no name is guaranteed for 2026.
Read more:
open.substack.com/pub/american...
The experimenting is done.
The core is starting to take shape.
But Poch made it clear: no name is guaranteed for 2026.
Read more:
open.substack.com/pub/american...
How does feel about his move from UK business secretary to chief whip in the Labour government?
To explain, he used a football analogy:
"I would rather be the manager of Sunderland than the assistant manager of Man City."
Full interview: www.youtube.com/live/d5pFuro...
To explain, he used a football analogy:
"I would rather be the manager of Sunderland than the assistant manager of Man City."
Full interview: www.youtube.com/live/d5pFuro...
September 29, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Christian Pulisic is leading Serie A.
Tanner Tessmann is scoring in France.
Chris Richards just helped Palace beat Liverpool.
But the October USMNT roster might be defined more by injuries than form.
This week’s Full-Time Flashpoints ⬇️
tinyurl.com/4as5uvuu
Tanner Tessmann is scoring in France.
Chris Richards just helped Palace beat Liverpool.
But the October USMNT roster might be defined more by injuries than form.
This week’s Full-Time Flashpoints ⬇️
tinyurl.com/4as5uvuu
Full-Time Flashpoints: Christian Pulisic Leads Serie A as USMNT Faces October Questions
Injuries cloud the October roster, but Pulisic, Tessmann, and Richards keep raising the bar in Europe.
tinyurl.com
September 29, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Christian Pulisic is leading Serie A.
Tanner Tessmann is scoring in France.
Chris Richards just helped Palace beat Liverpool.
But the October USMNT roster might be defined more by injuries than form.
This week’s Full-Time Flashpoints ⬇️
tinyurl.com/4as5uvuu
Tanner Tessmann is scoring in France.
Chris Richards just helped Palace beat Liverpool.
But the October USMNT roster might be defined more by injuries than form.
This week’s Full-Time Flashpoints ⬇️
tinyurl.com/4as5uvuu
Scars from the 2018 cycle.
Copa América disaster.
Nations League flop.
Plenty of fans still wonder if the USMNT would even qualify for 2026 without the host pass.
With the expanded format and this roster, is that really in doubt? 🤔
👉
Copa América disaster.
Nations League flop.
Plenty of fans still wonder if the USMNT would even qualify for 2026 without the host pass.
With the expanded format and this roster, is that really in doubt? 🤔
👉
Why the USMNT Would Still Qualify for the 2026 World Cup
After the failures of 2018 and the frustrations since, it’s fair to ask — but the math and the talent make the answer clear
f.mtr.cool
September 25, 2025 at 6:11 PM
Scars from the 2018 cycle.
Copa América disaster.
Nations League flop.
Plenty of fans still wonder if the USMNT would even qualify for 2026 without the host pass.
With the expanded format and this roster, is that really in doubt? 🤔
👉
Copa América disaster.
Nations League flop.
Plenty of fans still wonder if the USMNT would even qualify for 2026 without the host pass.
With the expanded format and this roster, is that really in doubt? 🤔
👉
Captain America at 27
Christian Pulisic just passed Dempsey’s goal record in Europe’s top 5 leagues.
From Dortmund to Milan, the legacy is real. And, he's just hitting his prime.
👉
Christian Pulisic just passed Dempsey’s goal record in Europe’s top 5 leagues.
From Dortmund to Milan, the legacy is real. And, he's just hitting his prime.
👉
Pulisic at 27: The Benchmark for Every Future American Star
Fresh off a brace for AC Milan, Christian Pulisic passes Clint Dempsey’s European goal record as he enters his prime years before leading the USMNT into a home World Cup
f.mtr.cool
September 22, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Captain America at 27
Christian Pulisic just passed Dempsey’s goal record in Europe’s top 5 leagues.
From Dortmund to Milan, the legacy is real. And, he's just hitting his prime.
👉
Christian Pulisic just passed Dempsey’s goal record in Europe’s top 5 leagues.
From Dortmund to Milan, the legacy is real. And, he's just hitting his prime.
👉
If Poch sticks with a back 3, the right center-back spot is suddenly the most important chair in the #USMNT lineup.
Some players’ stock just shot up. Others might be done.
Who’s your RCB? Who’s the odd man out?
tinyurl.com/4s7e565h
Some players’ stock just shot up. Others might be done.
Who’s your RCB? Who’s the odd man out?
tinyurl.com/4s7e565h
The USMNT Depth Chart in a Back 3 World
How Pochettino’s tactical shift reshapes the XI — and the roster battles to come
tinyurl.com
September 17, 2025 at 4:41 PM
If Poch sticks with a back 3, the right center-back spot is suddenly the most important chair in the #USMNT lineup.
Some players’ stock just shot up. Others might be done.
Who’s your RCB? Who’s the odd man out?
tinyurl.com/4s7e565h
Some players’ stock just shot up. Others might be done.
Who’s your RCB? Who’s the odd man out?
tinyurl.com/4s7e565h
Balogun grabbed the No. 9 spotlight during the international window.
Ricardo Pepi answered with a brace.
Haji Wright found a late equalizer.
The #USMNT striker pool refuses to settle — and that competition is healthy.
open.substack.com/pub/american...
Ricardo Pepi answered with a brace.
Haji Wright found a late equalizer.
The #USMNT striker pool refuses to settle — and that competition is healthy.
open.substack.com/pub/american...
Pepi’s Brace, Wright’s Late Equalizer, and a USMNT Striker Pool That Won’t Sit Still
The forward line keeps buzzing and that's only a good thing
open.substack.com
September 15, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Balogun grabbed the No. 9 spotlight during the international window.
Ricardo Pepi answered with a brace.
Haji Wright found a late equalizer.
The #USMNT striker pool refuses to settle — and that competition is healthy.
open.substack.com/pub/american...
Ricardo Pepi answered with a brace.
Haji Wright found a late equalizer.
The #USMNT striker pool refuses to settle — and that competition is healthy.
open.substack.com/pub/american...
“In Hungary, we only know black or white, so we have only a wedding or a funeral.”
This is how USMNT social media seems at times.
Good story about the Hungarian national team culture and its Liverpool contingent.
This is how USMNT social media seems at times.
Good story about the Hungarian national team culture and its Liverpool contingent.
September 13, 2025 at 2:47 PM
“In Hungary, we only know black or white, so we have only a wedding or a funeral.”
This is how USMNT social media seems at times.
Good story about the Hungarian national team culture and its Liverpool contingent.
This is how USMNT social media seems at times.
Good story about the Hungarian national team culture and its Liverpool contingent.
A win is a win — and this one matters.
The USMNT beat Japan’s Bundesliga-heavy squad with Poch’s first real tactical shift: a back three.
More than just a friendly, it might be the blueprint for 2026.
The USMNT beat Japan’s Bundesliga-heavy squad with Poch’s first real tactical shift: a back three.
More than just a friendly, it might be the blueprint for 2026.
Why the USMNT's Win over Japan Matters More Than You Think
From tactical shifts to fresh faces, Columbus offered more than a morale boost; it offered opportunity
f.mtr.cool
September 11, 2025 at 5:03 PM
A win is a win — and this one matters.
The USMNT beat Japan’s Bundesliga-heavy squad with Poch’s first real tactical shift: a back three.
More than just a friendly, it might be the blueprint for 2026.
The USMNT beat Japan’s Bundesliga-heavy squad with Poch’s first real tactical shift: a back three.
More than just a friendly, it might be the blueprint for 2026.
USMNT fell 2–0 to Korea.
Six MLS starters couldn’t keep up with FIFA’s No. 23.
Winless in 7 vs top-25 teams.
Outscored 17–3.
That’s not a blip, that’s a pattern.
Balogun gave a spark. The rest gave doubts.
Full post on American Boot Room: tinyurl.com/y4s7btm2
Six MLS starters couldn’t keep up with FIFA’s No. 23.
Winless in 7 vs top-25 teams.
Outscored 17–3.
That’s not a blip, that’s a pattern.
Balogun gave a spark. The rest gave doubts.
Full post on American Boot Room: tinyurl.com/y4s7btm2
If the USMNT Can’t Handle Korea, How Does It Handle 2026?
Balogun gave us a glimpse, but most of this MLS-heavy roster gave us doubts.
tinyurl.com
September 7, 2025 at 1:14 PM
USMNT fell 2–0 to Korea.
Six MLS starters couldn’t keep up with FIFA’s No. 23.
Winless in 7 vs top-25 teams.
Outscored 17–3.
That’s not a blip, that’s a pattern.
Balogun gave a spark. The rest gave doubts.
Full post on American Boot Room: tinyurl.com/y4s7btm2
Six MLS starters couldn’t keep up with FIFA’s No. 23.
Winless in 7 vs top-25 teams.
Outscored 17–3.
That’s not a blip, that’s a pattern.
Balogun gave a spark. The rest gave doubts.
Full post on American Boot Room: tinyurl.com/y4s7btm2
Isak strikes, Guéhi stays, Pulisic skips.
One was branded “selfish,” one was praised as “loyal,” one was called “controversial.”
But in modern football, careers are short and the stakes are high.
Fans call it selfishness.
Players call it survival.
open.substack.com/pub/american...
One was branded “selfish,” one was praised as “loyal,” one was called “controversial.”
But in modern football, careers are short and the stakes are high.
Fans call it selfishness.
Players call it survival.
open.substack.com/pub/american...
From Isak to Pulisic, reframing the definition of selfishness in modern soccer
The stigma is fading — and selfishness is being repackaged, good or bad, as ambition.
open.substack.com
September 4, 2025 at 7:26 PM
Isak strikes, Guéhi stays, Pulisic skips.
One was branded “selfish,” one was praised as “loyal,” one was called “controversial.”
But in modern football, careers are short and the stakes are high.
Fans call it selfishness.
Players call it survival.
open.substack.com/pub/american...
One was branded “selfish,” one was praised as “loyal,” one was called “controversial.”
But in modern football, careers are short and the stakes are high.
Fans call it selfishness.
Players call it survival.
open.substack.com/pub/american...
⚽️ Full Time Flashpoints
USMNT camp opens with scoring on fire:
🇩🇪 Tillman volleys on debut
🇫🇷 Balogun bags 1st for Monaco
🏴 Sargent hits a brace (6 in 5!)
🇮🇹 Pulisic + Wright join the party
Poch at the Horseshoe... yeah, it’s a busy week.
tinyurl.com/8jdart73
#USMNT #Soccer #Bundesliga #SerieA #EPL
USMNT camp opens with scoring on fire:
🇩🇪 Tillman volleys on debut
🇫🇷 Balogun bags 1st for Monaco
🏴 Sargent hits a brace (6 in 5!)
🇮🇹 Pulisic + Wright join the party
Poch at the Horseshoe... yeah, it’s a busy week.
tinyurl.com/8jdart73
#USMNT #Soccer #Bundesliga #SerieA #EPL
Full Time Flashpoints: Strikers on Fire, Poch in the Spotlight entering USMNT September camp
Strikers scoring, coaches sacked, and cameos from Matthew McConaughey to Helen Mirren.
tinyurl.com
September 1, 2025 at 7:13 PM
⚽️ Full Time Flashpoints
USMNT camp opens with scoring on fire:
🇩🇪 Tillman volleys on debut
🇫🇷 Balogun bags 1st for Monaco
🏴 Sargent hits a brace (6 in 5!)
🇮🇹 Pulisic + Wright join the party
Poch at the Horseshoe... yeah, it’s a busy week.
tinyurl.com/8jdart73
#USMNT #Soccer #Bundesliga #SerieA #EPL
USMNT camp opens with scoring on fire:
🇩🇪 Tillman volleys on debut
🇫🇷 Balogun bags 1st for Monaco
🏴 Sargent hits a brace (6 in 5!)
🇮🇹 Pulisic + Wright join the party
Poch at the Horseshoe... yeah, it’s a busy week.
tinyurl.com/8jdart73
#USMNT #Soccer #Bundesliga #SerieA #EPL
Mauricio Pochettino says Europe isn’t a free pass to the USMNT — just ask Aidan Morris.
Young, hungry, proving every step counts. 🇺🇸⚽
#USMNT #AidanMorris #YanksAbroad”
open.substack.com/pub/american...
Young, hungry, proving every step counts. 🇺🇸⚽
#USMNT #AidanMorris #YanksAbroad”
open.substack.com/pub/american...
Europe Doesn’t Guarantee a USMNT Roster Spot — Just Ask Aidan Morris
Middlesbrough’s midfield engine keeps shining, but Mauricio Pochettino keeps looking elsewhere.
open.substack.com
August 29, 2025 at 8:21 PM
Mauricio Pochettino says Europe isn’t a free pass to the USMNT — just ask Aidan Morris.
Young, hungry, proving every step counts. 🇺🇸⚽
#USMNT #AidanMorris #YanksAbroad”
open.substack.com/pub/american...
Young, hungry, proving every step counts. 🇺🇸⚽
#USMNT #AidanMorris #YanksAbroad”
open.substack.com/pub/american...
Josh Sargent 🔥 at Norwich.
The narrative of his USMNT drought doesn't tell the whole story.
Who’s your No. 9 for 2026 — Balogun, Pepi, Sargent, Wright, Agyemang?
Full breakdown 👇
https://tinyurl.com/5fbpy989
#USMNT #WorldCup2026 #YanksAbroad
The narrative of his USMNT drought doesn't tell the whole story.
Who’s your No. 9 for 2026 — Balogun, Pepi, Sargent, Wright, Agyemang?
Full breakdown 👇
https://tinyurl.com/5fbpy989
#USMNT #WorldCup2026 #YanksAbroad
Math, Myths, and Goals: The Truth About the USMNT’s Striker Situation
Why the narrative of Josh Sargent's production for the national team isn't cut and dry
tinyurl.com
August 28, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Josh Sargent 🔥 at Norwich.
The narrative of his USMNT drought doesn't tell the whole story.
Who’s your No. 9 for 2026 — Balogun, Pepi, Sargent, Wright, Agyemang?
Full breakdown 👇
https://tinyurl.com/5fbpy989
#USMNT #WorldCup2026 #YanksAbroad
The narrative of his USMNT drought doesn't tell the whole story.
Who’s your No. 9 for 2026 — Balogun, Pepi, Sargent, Wright, Agyemang?
Full breakdown 👇
https://tinyurl.com/5fbpy989
#USMNT #WorldCup2026 #YanksAbroad
Wonder if the Yunus Musah to Atalanta momentum had anything to do with Folarin Balogun being the 23rd player called up today.
Regardless, that good news on both fronts.
#usmnt
Regardless, that good news on both fronts.
#usmnt
August 27, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Wonder if the Yunus Musah to Atalanta momentum had anything to do with Folarin Balogun being the 23rd player called up today.
Regardless, that good news on both fronts.
#usmnt
Regardless, that good news on both fronts.
#usmnt
This USMNT roster will start more arguments than it wins games. Pulisic is back. Weston isn’t. Who got snubbed worst? 👀
open.substack.com/pub/american...
open.substack.com/pub/american...
USMNT Roster Debate Season Is Here: Poch’s Picks Raise More Questions Than Answers
Reading between Mauricio Pochettino's picks for friendlies against South Korea and Japan
open.substack.com
August 27, 2025 at 3:08 PM
This USMNT roster will start more arguments than it wins games. Pulisic is back. Weston isn’t. Who got snubbed worst? 👀
open.substack.com/pub/american...
open.substack.com/pub/american...