One of the most striking absences from Mauricio Pochettino’s roster for the United States’ upcoming games against Belgium and Portugal was Alex Zendejas – but does that mean he is already out of the World Cup picture?

It is not the first time the Argentine coach has left a player off the list while he was coming back from injury. In October 2025, Pochettino did not call up Sergiño Dest because he was still working his way back. Christian Pulisic was given the same treatment after returning from an injury with AC Milan and was not included in the November international window.

“I know Alejandro (Zendejas) very well. I know he can adapt well to the group dynamic, but just like him and Diego Luna were not here for different reasons, including injuries,” Pochettino said at the press conference announcing the roster.

Zendejas, who only returned on March 4 from a right adductor injury, has missed seven games this season for Las Águilas.

Alarm bells in Mexico

In Mexico, media outlets are increasingly treating it as a near certainty that Zendejas will not make the World Cup squad. They have reason to think that after the winger has been called up only three times since Pochettino took charge.

“I spoke with him directly. He must be frustrated because he has that expectation, that goal. He will surely fight until the very last day to be in the World Cup. Zendejas should have a very good chance of making it, and he has to stop dwelling on it because he knows the potential he has,” said Club América head coach André Jardine.

Competition for Zendejas is fierce in the United States squad. Players such as Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna and Timothy Weah are all ahead of him in a crowded attacking pool.

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