We know you all are excited about the groundbreaking 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. 32 qualified domestic teams from around the globe will come together to compete for the prestigious trophy. Though everything sounds very mouth-watering, US Soccer fans, we have some concerning news. What if we told you this tournament might backfire on the USMNT’s actual chances at the 2026 World Cup, potentially spelling trouble for Mauricio Pochettino?

This begins with a concerning rule that FIFA recently announced. According to it, the apex soccer authority has clearly stated that clubs that participate in the Club World Cup are not required to release their players for national team duty during that time. With Borussia Dortmund and Juventus the participating clubs, this would mean that Gio Reyna, Tim Weah, and Weston McKennie won’t be able to leave their domestic duties in between for national call-ups.

This didn’t settle in the eyes of US icon Landon Donovan, who, in the latest podcast episode of Unfiltered Soccer, expressed his discontent on the matter. “My first take on all this is, at what point is FIFA going to just stop throwing more games and more tournaments? The players are suffering physically,” began the former striker.

“Now it’s fun to play in some of these tournaments and it’s novel to play in a Club World Cup is exciting in some regards, but the coaches suffer. Pochettino is like, ‘Okay, now I’m going to miss three of my best players for a national team camp and a tournament that is our only opportunity now before the World Cup to play in meaningful games.”

Technically, Donovan noted that even ardent fans will face major dilemmas. He cited that they won’t be able to follow their favorite players and will struggle to decide which games to watch. “It just feels like it’s just too much,” concluded Donovan.

Looks like the iconic LA Galaxy forward isn’t impressed with FIFA’s new rule. This only means that the former Chelsea coach shall prepare himself for the absence of these stars.

Mauricio Pochettino should remain prepared for the upset he may receive from the FIFA Club World Cup!

Notably, the Club World Cup is scheduled to run from June 15, 2025, to July 13, 2025, while the CONCACAF Gold Cup will take place from June 14, 2025, to July 6, 2025. Naturally, players like Reyna, Weah, and McKennie would be unlikely to pass up the opportunity to compete in the newly formatted club tournament.

Then again, the ethical dilemma arises from their inability to represent their nation in a pivotal competition that serves as a warm-up for the much larger stage—the 2026 World Cup. This means that the three of them could play in the Club World Cup and not be available at Pochettino’s disposal for the national team selection in the Gold Cup.

Who knows, the Argentinian may already know in his mind about the potential absences of Reyna, Weah, and McKennie from the crucial tournament before the 2026 gig. Perhaps the best way for Poch is to start drawing up the potential replacements, at least to cover their absences. After all, neither of the stars could row two boats at the same time.