Mauricio Pochettino is considering whether to include 19-year-old [1] midfielder Zavier Gozo on the U.S. men’s national team roster for the 2026 World Cup.
The decision represents a pivotal moment for the squad as the U.S. seeks a balance between veteran experience and emerging youth talent. Adding an uncapped teenager to a high-stakes tournament roster is a rare move that could signal a shift in the team's tactical approach.
Gozo has emerged as a focal point of discussion following a standout season with Real Salt Lake in Major League Soccer. Supporters of the call-up point to his technical ability and a recent performance where he sparked a comeback victory for his club in the Rocky Mountain Cup [2]. The 19-year-old [1] has become a symbol for those advocating for a youthful surprise player to provide an unpredictable element to the offense.
Pochettino is scheduled to announce the final 26-man [3] roster on May 26, 2026 [4] in Manhattan, New York [5]. The coach must decide if Gozo's current form in MLS outweighs the lack of international experience. While the midfielder remains uncapped, his trajectory has drawn attention from analysts who believe he is on the cusp of a national team breakthrough [6].
The debate centers on whether a player of Gozo's age can handle the psychological and physical pressure of the World Cup. Some argue that his technical proficiency makes him a viable option, while others suggest the roster should prioritize proven international players. With only a few days remaining before the announcement, the pressure on Pochettino to integrate the young star has intensified.
Real Salt Lake's success this season has provided Gozo with a platform to showcase his skills against top-tier opposition. This visibility has fueled the public discourse and placed the midfielder in the spotlight as the U.S. finalizes its preparations for the tournament.
“Zavier Gozo has emerged as a focal point of discussion following a standout season with Real Salt Lake.”
The potential inclusion of Zavier Gozo would signal a departure from conservative roster building. By selecting an uncapped 19-year-old, Pochettino would be prioritizing current form and raw technical ceiling over international tenure, reflecting a broader trend in global soccer where teenage prodigies are integrated into senior squads earlier to maximize their development and impact.
