Mauricio Pochettino's to-do list before the World Cup is a long one, as the United States coach struggles to finalize his roster without the luxury of training camps. The absence of pre-tournament preparation has added an extra layer of complexity to Pochettino's selection process, with the stakes higher than ever before. Pochettino's task is to assemble a cohesive unit that can compete with the world's best, all while minimizing the risk of injuries and burnout. Mauricio Pochettino has a storied career that predates his current role, with over 200 appearances for Newells Old Boys and Espanyol, scoring 22 goals in the process. The United States squad, under Pochettino's stewardship, has shown glimpses of brilliance this season, with a resurgent team pushed by a new generation of talent.