Pochettino Drops Luna and Tessmann in World Cup Squad That Ignores Market Value

Mauricio Pochettino has left €10 million-rated Tanner Tessmann and MLS star Diego Luna out of his final 2026 World Cup squad, exposing a selection strategy that prioritises experience over form ahead of the home tournament.

The omissions headline a list of high-value players excluded from the USMNT roster, with €22m Johnny Cardoso (injured) and €20m Noahkai Banks (chose Germany eligibility) also missing. Their absence leaves Pochettino's squad notably lighter in midfield depth and attacking creativity.

Luna's Omission Exposes Pochettino's MLS Bias Problem

Diego Luna's exclusion stands as the most controversial decision in Pochettino's squad announcement. The Real Salt Lake midfielder has been a regular starter under Pochettino throughout the buildup matches and continued playing through injuries to prove his commitment.

The Numbers Behind the Snub

Luna's omission becomes more puzzling when examining his recent form:

• Featured in multiple Pochettino friendlies despite carrying knocks
• Established himself as one of MLS's premier creative forces
• Commands significant media attention and fan support

While Sebastian Berhalter from Vancouver Whitecaps made the cut, Luna's absence suggests Pochettino may be operating with predetermined biases about certain MLS players. This selective approach to domestic talent could alienate the home support the USMNT needs.

Market Perception vs Reality

The decision sends mixed signals to betting markets about how Pochettino values domestic form. Luna's popularity with fans and consistent performances should have made him a lock for at least a squad role.

The Tessmann Gamble: Why Depth Concerns Could Haunt USMNT

Tanner Tessmann's exclusion represents a significant gamble on midfield fitness. The Lyon midfielder's €10m valuation places him fifth among excluded USMNT-eligible players, but more importantly, his versatility offered insurance in a problem position.

Injury Crisis Waiting to Happen

Pochettino's midfield selection looks particularly risky given the injury records of his chosen players:

• Tyler Adams has persistent injury concerns
• Weston McKennie's fitness record remains patchy
• Johnny Cardoso already ruled out through injury

Tessmann has dealt with minor knocks recently but remained a regular for both club and country before this tournament. His omission leaves the USMNT dangerously thin in defensive midfield options.

Championship Form Ignored

Aidan Morris presents another curious case. The Middlesbrough midfielder has excelled in the Championship, seeing his market value increase by €6m since summer 2024. His form in one of Europe's most physical leagues should have guaranteed consideration, yet Pochettino looked elsewhere.

Given Cardoso's injury and the fact that Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie are injury-prone, his omission was a major talking point.

Market Values vs Reality: What the Numbers Tell Us About Selection Politics

The combined market value of excluded players tells a story of selection priorities that ignore financial metrics. With €52m worth of talent left at home (excluding unavailable players), Pochettino has clearly prioritised other factors.

The Value Gap Analysis

Several inclusions raise questions when compared to the excluded players:

• Josh Sargent (€10m) - struggling at Toronto FC since MLS move
• Yunus Musah (€10m) - limited impact at Atalanta
• Multiple lower-valued MLS players selected ahead of Luna

The disconnect between market valuation and selection suggests Pochettino values established relationships over current form. This approach might provide stability but risks missing players hitting peak form at the perfect moment.

Betting Market Implications

These omissions force a reassessment of USMNT's tournament prospects. The lack of creative depth (Luna) and midfield insurance (Tessmann) creates specific vulnerabilities that opposing teams will target. Smart money might now look at unders on USMNT goal totals given the reduced attacking options.

What Happens Next

Pochettino must now hope his fitness gambles pay off during a gruelling World Cup 2026 campaign. The excluded players face different futures - Luna will watch from home as MLS continues, while Tessmann returns to Lyon knowing his international career has stalled.

The true test comes when the United States faces adversity. If injuries strike the midfield or the attack lacks creativity, these selection decisions will define Pochettino's legacy. For now, betting markets must price in a USMNT squad that chose experience over form, potentially at their own cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Pochettino leave Diego Luna out of the World Cup squad?
Despite Luna being a regular starter in buildup matches and one of MLS's top creative players, Pochettino excluded him from the final 26-man roster. The decision appears to reflect the coach's preference for other options rather than any form or fitness issues, as Luna had played through injuries to prove his commitment.

Who are the most valuable players missing from the USMNT World Cup squad?
Johnny Cardoso (€22m) tops the list but is injured, while Noahkai Banks (€20m) chose to preserve German eligibility. The controversial omissions include Tanner Tessmann (€10m), Diego Luna, and Aidan Morris, who combined represent over €30m in market value and were all available for selection.

Will USMNT's midfield depth be a problem at the World Cup?
Yes, the midfield looks vulnerable with Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie both carrying injury concerns and Johnny Cardoso already ruled out. Tessmann's exclusion removes a versatile option who could have provided cover, leaving Pochettino with limited alternatives if injuries strike during the tournament.

How does Pochettino pick his USMNT squad?
Based on these selections, Pochettino appears to prioritise established relationships and experience over current form or market value. Several struggling players like Josh Sargent made the cut while in-form players like Diego Luna and Aidan Morris were excluded, suggesting selection politics play a significant role.

What are the biggest surprises in the USMNT World Cup squad?
Diego Luna's omission stands as the biggest shock given his regular appearances under Pochettino and strong MLS form. Tanner Tessmann missing out despite the team's midfield injury concerns and Aidan Morris being overlooked after excellent Championship form also surprised observers and betting markets.