USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino names best World Cup XI, skips Messi & Ronaldo

Former Tottenham Hotspurs and current USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino is currently a heavy favorite entering the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the USMNT’s home turf. The FIFA World Cup is one of the most popular and most-watched sports events on Earth. An extremely prestigious tournament, several notable players, including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar Jr., David Beckham, and more, have played in the tournament.

Heading into the World Cup, Pochettino opened up and revealed his best all-time World Cup playing XI. Writing a column for The Athletic, Pochettino revealed his squad as well as one of his rules that helps him avoid any controversy.

“So, the rule of my team was that only players who had finished playing were eligible — so you understand why there’s no Messi, Ronaldo, Mbappe, Neymar etc,” he said. Leaving out the current active players, Pochettino crafted one of the most diverse and strong fantasy teams ever.

Pochettino kept Cameroon goalkeeper Thomas N’Kono, followed by Germany legend Franz Beckenbauer in the middle centre back, and Carles Puyol and Italian Paolo Maldini beside him. His midfield included Zinedine Zidane at left wing-back, David Beckham at right wing-back, and Michael Laudrup playing in central midfield. Backed by a solid defense and midfield, the USMNT’s all-time XI’s attack included Pelé as the striker, Maradona as the attacking midfielder, followed by Hristo Stoichkov of Bulgaria and Johan Cruyff of the Netherlands as the wingers.

Despite Germany’s Miroslav Klose and Brazil’s Ronaldo also being two of the most favorites to get selected in a fantasy squad, Pochettino decided to include the legendary Pelé in his squad. USMNT is set to begin its World Cup campaign by facing Paraguay on Jun. 13, 2026.

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