US Soccer Deploys Drone Analytics and AI Scouting for World Cup Prep — Pochettino to Name 26-Man Roster May 26 in NYC

New reporting on April 9, 2026 revealed that US Soccer's data science team is deploying drone aerial filming and advanced analytics platforms to support Mauricio Pochettino's World Cup preparation — generating detailed opposition scouting reports and performance metrics from training sessions. Pochettino will formally announce his final 26-player roster on May 26 in New York City, selecting from a pool of approximately 35–40 candidates across European leagues and MLS. The analytics programme represents a significant professionalisation of US Soccer's technical operations; with the USMNT's brutal pre-tournament camp (2–5 Belgium, 0–2 Portugal) fresh in memory, data-driven preparation has intensified. MLS players retain a direct path to the roster with several matchdays remaining before the May 26 deadline — with Toronto FC striker Josh Sargent cited among those in contention. The revelation comes as Pochettino's team rebuilds from a combined 2–7 aggregate against Belgium and Portugal with 63 days to the Group D opener against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium on June 12. The next competitive fixture for the USMNT is the May 31 friendly against Senegal — the final match before the roster cutdown date.