Lalas Assesses McKennie’s Future with USMNT Under Pochettino

Alexi Lalas has voiced considerably less concern regarding Weston McKennie’s prospects with the national team compared to various commentators who have questioned the midfielder’s compatibility with Mauricio Pochettino’s system.

“I don’t share that sentiment,” Lalas stated during his State of the Union podcast. “Ultimately, this perception is based on intuition… Weston does come with certain complexities, and one must accept both the positives and negatives.”

Lalas emphasized that while McKennie has his challenges, the advantages he brings often overshadow the drawbacks. “In truth, the positive aspects of his game frequently outweigh the negatives. Therefore, I am not as apprehensive about Weston McKennie as perhaps you and others may be. Ultimately, I believe he will be a crucial part of the team.”

Discussing McKennie’s playing style, Lalas remarked on how it could harmonize with Pochettino’s tactical vision. The former defender noted that while McKennie will retain his unique qualities, he is likely to adapt his game to align with the strategies preferred by the Argentine coach. “In the end, he will still be Weston McKennie, but he will operate within the framework that Pochettino desires,” Lalas explained.

Currently, McKennie’s position is under review as Pochettino evaluates his roster during upcoming international windows. His inclusion for the October friendlies, which Pochettino referred to as a potential ‘A squad’, indicates that the Juventus midfielder remains a viable option after previously missing training camps. With over 50 caps for the US Men’s National Team, including participation in the 2022 World Cup, McKennie possesses tournament experience that is invaluable to the team.

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the competition for roster spots is becoming increasingly fierce. The USMNT has been placed in Group D alongside Paraguay, Australia, and the winner of UEFA Playoff Path C (either Türkiye, Romania, Slovakia, or Kosovo). This relatively advantageous draw has heightened expectations for the team’s performance on home soil, with Lalas himself predicting that the U.S. will finish at the top of their group.