U.S. men's national team manager Mauricio Pochettino sought to play down the political overtones of Thursday's Concacaf Nations League semifinal against Panama, stating, "I think it's a big mistake if we talk about politics because I think people [aren't] waiting for us to talk in this way.

For me, it’s not a question about ‘official’ or ‘not official,’” Pochettino said ahead of Thursday's semifinal against Panama. “It’s that each time we go to play, we feel pressure to win."

Antonee Robinson was removed from the United States men's national team Concacaf Nations League squad alongside Johnny Cardoso and Auston Trusty.