What to watch for as the USMNT ends its brutal summer against New Zealand and the wait for Mauricio Pochettino continues

An international break meant to maintain balance for the U.S. men's national team instead brought new disappointment in a summer marred by poor performances, the latest of which was the team's 2-1 loss to Canada on Saturday.

So Tuesday's game against New Zealand is an obligation for the team to finally instill some long-overdue optimism, especially after interim coach Mikey Varas acknowledged the team's numerous mistakes against Canada. While he took responsibility for the game's tactical errors, including the ones that allowed Canada to take a 2-0 lead, Varas questioned the players' mentality on Saturday, a remark he attempted to walk back in pre-game comments on Monday.

Regardless of Varas' stance on the players' commitment, the result leaves a bitter taste in a month that was already in the spotlight following the USMNT's early exit in the Copa America group stage. The players had already described the goal of this international break as putting the disappointment of this summer behind them, which seems especially relevant as US Soccer this week finally looks to hire Mauricio Pochettino as the team's new head coach in hopes of embarking on a very ambitious path to the 2026 World Cup on home soil.

Here's what to watch for when the USMNT ends the September international break against New Zealand.

So you can watch and the odds

• Date: Tuesday, September 10th | Time: 7 p.m. ET
• Location: TQL Stadium – Cincinnati, Ohio
• TV: TNT-T | Live stream: Fubo (try for free)
• Opportunities: United States -325; Draw +360; New Zealand +800

Fresh faces

An international break under the guidance of an interim coach who oversees matches against teams ranked below 30 is not meant to produce anything revolutionary, and Varas seems well aware of that. But the most exciting thing about the September friendlies is that some new faces have made it into the squad, and perhaps the only positive from Saturday's loss to Canada was that some of them were given a chance to start.

Five of Saturday's starters were not regulars on the roster during the USMNT's ill-fated Copa America run, with some performing better than others. Johnny Cardoso failed to establish himself as a contender for a starting spot in a midfield that has felt unsettled for nearly two years, but goalkeeper Patrick Schulte provided new competition in goal. Former head coach Gregg Berhalter selected Turner ahead of the 2022 World Cup and stuck with him despite inconsistent performances and a lack of playing time at club level, but Schulte's start after playing for the U23s at the Olympics suggests the battle for the starting spot in 2026 is officially on.

That position will be a big focus when lineups are announced Tuesday, especially with another notable contender in the running – Turner's longtime backup Ethan Horvath. Varas will have a chance to tinker with the midfield again in hopes of finding a winning formula, while the fullback positions are a question mark this month as Antonee Robinson gets a well-deserved rest and Sergino Dest recovers from the torn ACL he suffered in the spring.

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Mentality check

While Varas admitted he still has tactical adjustments to make before New Zealand, his observation that the players' mentality contributed to their loss to Canada is arguably as concerning as their technical errors. This is especially worrying because it was also a topic of conversation following the USMNT's elimination from the Copa America, with veteran defender Tim Ream admitting that “the intensity is falling through the cracks,” according to Univision.

That talking point won't go away on its own, nor will it become irrelevant after just one performance during a friendly where the USMNT is favored to win. But Tuesday's game against New Zealand offers a chance to actually correct course for a group that says it's eager to do so. Renewed competition for spots, like the battle for starting goalie, will no doubt help, but jaded fans will be just as eager to see a mentality shift among veteran players who hold leadership positions and aren't likely to leave the lineup anytime soon.

A fresh approach is also arguably necessary considering the imminent hiring of Pochettino. This will be the ultimate reset for a team that hasn't changed much since Berhalter began building a new, young core in 2019. The potential new head coach may not necessarily be present in Cincinnati on Tuesday, but he will no doubt look to this summer's games as a reference point as he gets to know his new team. Any opportunity to make an impression will count in some way, even if there isn't a signed contract yet.

Pochettino observation continues

While Tuesday's game could provide some answers about the USMNT's expanded player pool, most viewers will be focused on what's happening off the field rather than on it as the long wait for Pochettino to sign continues.

Pochettino agreed to take the job last month and the deal is unlikely to pose any obstacles on US Soccer's part, as the board met on Sunday night to discuss his hiring, a process that is considered a formality, according to ESPN. However, the Argentine has yet to reach an agreement on a payment dispute with his former employers Chelsea and it is unclear if that has been resolved. He is reportedly still on track to play his first game as coach next month when the USMNT returns to action for friendlies against Panama in Austin, Texas, and Mexico in Guadaljara.

His signing will have a big impact on the USMNT for another game, whether or not he makes it to Cincinnati in time for kickoff, especially as viewers try to imagine what Pochettino's version of the national team might look like. Many will ultimately point to this month's games, as well as the Copa America performance, to show what he needs to improve – and how much work there is to do when he finally shows up.