Exclusive: Shaq Moore’s take on Mauricio Pochettino and USMNT ‘mistakes’

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Exclusive: Shaq Moore’s take on Mauricio Pochettino and USMNT ‘mistakes’

Shounak Chakrabarti, ClutchPoints · ClutchPoints

Thu, Jun 4, 2026 ·

7 min read

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Exclusive: Shaq Moore's take on Mauricio Pochettino and USMNT 'mistakes' appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .

With only a handful of days left for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada , and Mexico , several teams have announced their final rosters for the tournament. A few days ago, USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino also published his list of players for the World Cup .

While many on the internet raised questions about Pochettino's decision to select the players, the majority of them were in his favor. Recently, speaking to ClutchPoints in an exclusive interview, former USMNT defender Shaq Moore opened up about Pochettino's style of coaching. A bit familiar with his style, having played a few games under his leadership, Moore explained that the former EPL coach gives the players their freedom to play.

"I think it's just the demanding part that, that he tries to, you know, bring out of everyone, whether that's with the ball, without the ball. Obviously, you know, he's a respected coach in world football. So, definitely the demand that he has, the intensity that he plays with without the ball," Moore said.

"You know, you never wanna take a break. If you lose it, you wanna fight back and get it back as quickly as possible. Also gives you a lot of freedom with the ball, right? So he gives you freedom to make mistakes. Obviously not in your own box, you know, little stuff like that, but he does give you freedom to play.

" You know, he's coached some of the biggest teams in the world. So that experience bringing over to our team, you know, that demands respect. Instantly, you know when a guy of that stature comes to coach your team. I think he's definitely a good coach. I think they're [USMNT] in a good position to do something big at this World Cup," Moore further added.

While the 29-year-old right back heaped praise on Pochettino, he also explained what a manager usually looks for in a player when selecting the squad.

Former USMNT player Shaq Moore breaks down what a manager looks for when selecting a player

In the same interview, Moore also opened up and explained exactly what a manager looks for when selecting a player for the squad. "I mean, the overall game is always a starting point. You need good players on your team. So, you know, as long as the best players are bought in and there are no egos, 'cause at the end of the day, it's a short tournament, right?" he continued.

"You can be out, and there are three games. So good players are always good, but, you know, you gotta leave your ego at the door and know that it's a bigger collective representing the country in the, in the biggest tournament. So, playing-wise it's good, but, you know, team-wise it's also a crucial part of getting the job done."

While a manager usually looks toward a player's overall game, they also tend to choose someone who can keep their ego aside. But in spite of all these, it is difficult to make it into the final roster of just 11 players. Domestically competing with several talented players inside the nation for the top international spot gets difficult.

"Yeah, very difficult because, as you said, there's a lot of competition from players from all over the world. The US is a big country, so we have a big pool of 100-something players. So to slim it down to 26 is a little difficult. I know what I did. I just tried to put on tunnel vision, right? So just focus on what you can focus on, work hard, do your part, and then, you know, let the cards show as they will."

Shaq Moore comments on the USMNT's first match against Paraguay

Despite the USMNT's superior FIFA World Cup ranking compared to their opening opponents, Paraguay, Shaq Moore stresses that surprises can occur in any match, and no team should be underestimated.

"I think on paper you would probably say that the US, you know, should win that game, but, you know, in today's soccer, anybody can beat anybody. I know you don't wanna overlook any country, no matter how big or how small. So starting with Paraguay, you know it's gonna be a tough game. Technical players, good players. We gotta be ready."

While Moore believes first games are important, he emphasized the importance of taking the process slowly. While the USMNT can definitely lose their Game Day one match, it will not be surprising for them to bounce back and advance in the tournament, as Argentina did in 2022. "So will it be harder? Obviously. Of course. But, you know, as long as you keep your foot on the gas pedal and try to get a result, you should be all right."

Shaq Moore gives his 5 FIFA World Cup teams, and thoughts on Cristiano Ronaldo & Lionel Messi 's World Cup campaign

When asked about the top five teams for this year's FIFA World Cup, Moore shared a straightforward answer. Naming some of the strongest teams, he placed the USA (for their home advantage), Argentina, Portugal , France , and Germany . Moore also included two sleeper teams that held the potential of surprising, like Croatia and Morocco .

Sharing his thoughts on Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi's potentially last World Cup, Moore said, "You know, you can never write off the champions, right? Argentina- you know, had a great showing, and they're always a strong team. I think Portugal is a dark horse. I think they can absolutely make some noise. So, if he [Ronaldo] wins, that'll definitely stir up the GOAT conversation. Obviously, you know, we're privileged to see both of them play, and you know, we don't have a lot more moments of watching them."

What are the USMNT's chances for this year's FIFA World Cup?

A former World Cup player, Moore was further asked about his playing 11 for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to which he shared the following (note- Moore only named ten players in the following positions):

GK: Matt Turner

RB: Sergiño Dest

CB: Tim Ream

CB: Mark McKenzie

LB: Antonee Robinson

CM: Tyler Adams

CM: Weston McKennie

LW: Christian Pulisic

ST: Folarin Balogun/Ricardo Pepi

RW: Tim Weah

When asked about his thoughts on the USMNT's chances for this year's FIFA World Cup, Moore opened up and complimented this year's experienced team. "I think the team is very strong, man."

Moore also opened up and explained how players with European experience are an advantage. "You've got a lot of talented players playing with European clubs. You know, MLS players are in there, too. So I think it's a good, strong team. The core of the team also has a lot more experience than at the last World Cup. So for a lot of us, it was our first World Cup, the last one. I think we have as good a shot as everybody, you know. Can we get to the knockout stage, round of 16 quarterfinals? I definitely see that, especially on US soil."

Pochettino's USMNT is set to begin its FIFA World Cup campaign on Jun. 12, 2026, against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. They are set to follow it up with a game against Australia on Jun. 19, 2026, and a third group stage match against Turkey on Jun. 25, 2026.

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