We call it the USMNT's Countdown to the men's World Cup. What informs the player pool in the USMNT's Countdown to the World Cup? So, without further ado, welcome to the USMNT's Countdown to the World Cup. The next nine months will make for a fascinating three-player race ahead of the World Cup. The in-form XIIf the World Cup started tomorrow, who would make up Pochettino's starting XI?