IRVINE, Calif. — The passes were crisp. The communication on the pitch was loud.

Every sprint across the pristine grass at Great Park Sports Complex seemed to carry a little more purpose Tuesday morning.

For the first time since Mauricio Pochettino was appointed head coach of the United States men’s national team nearly 20 months ago, every player he selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup was finally fit and training together.

No injuries. No load management. No more waiting.

The U.S. will have just 17 days together to try to become a team capable of surviving the most unforgiving tournament in all of sports.

Just 17 days to develop the necessary chemistry to compete with the world’s elite.

The return of center back Chris Richards from an ankle injury completed the puzzle and gave Pochettino the opportunity to build that much-needed chemistry across his defensive line after conceding four goals in the U.S.’ two friendlies against Senegal and Germany.

“Culture eats strategy for breakfast,” Pochettino said after Saturday’s 2-1 loss.

He was sending a message to his players that talent alone will not carry the U.S. through a World Cup. Trust, commitment, communication and shared values matter much more than any tactical diagram on a whiteboard.

Thus far, that message has resonated through the first two weeks of camp.

“Chemistry and teamwork matter more than anything else,” said NYCFC goalkeeper Matt Freese, when asked what Pochettino’s message has been to the team. “He’s a manager that’s coached in the Premier League, Champions League and the highest of highs. For him to preach the importance of teamwork and chemistry on the field was very heartwarming and inspiring.”

That philosophy was visible throughout training this week in Irvine. Veterans like Tyler Adams were the most vocal, pulling players aside between drills. With Richards back in the fold, defenders huddled together to constantly talk about formations and tactics.

Because the U.S. conceded four goals while Richards was sidelined, timing is critical before they take the pitch in their opening match against Paraguay on Friday. The back line finally has a chance to develop the chemistry and familiarity needed to withstand the pressure that will be put on them by the opposition’s attack.

“Ultimately, we have training sessions for a reason,” said defender Mark McKenzie ahead of training Wednesday. “Within each and every training session we create different situations that we will face in a game to get the repetitions and that makes things a lot easier. These training sessions will help with that chemistry.”

Seventeen days is hardly an eternity, let alone three. Thankfully, 13 members of this current squad have shared experience from Qatar in 2022. Many of them will be in the starting 11 on Friday. Those memories provide a foundation to build off of.

Because when the whistle blows on Match Day 1, chemistry will stop being a buzzword and instead will be the difference between going home early and making history.