USMNT Rosters Sees Major Overhaul, Pulisic Left Off Amid Youth Movement
Coach Mauricio Pochettino has called up 12 uncapped players, including 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan, for the upcoming international friendlies.
The U.S. men’s national team (USMNT) is embarking on a new era following its home World Cup campaign, with coach Mauricio Pochettino unveiling a significantly revamped roster. The group selected for upcoming friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico, and Canada features 12 players who have yet to earn a cap for the national team, signaling a clear shift towards developing emerging talent.
Among the notable inclusions is 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan, a prodigious talent from the Philadelphia Union who has demonstrated consistent offensive output. Sullivan’s call-up highlights the organization’s focus on nurturing young stars for the future, potentially leading up to the 2030 World Cup cycle.
Veteran Christian Pulisic, a key figure in previous USMNT squads, has been omitted from this roster. Pulisic has recently experienced limited playing time at AC Milan, having not started a game this season, though he did contribute to a draw against Lazio. His absence from the national team, coupled with Folarin Balogun’s also being left off the roster, raises questions. Balogun has not featured for AS Monaco since the collapse of his transfer to Everton.
While 13 players from the World Cup squad, including Chris Richards, Sergiño Dest, and Gio Reyna, are still part of the setup, the current camp is primarily designed as a proving ground for new faces. Eleven of the twelve uncapped players are 21 years old or younger, with goalkeeper Brian Schwake being the only exception.
Other young players to watch include 19-year-old Zavier Gozo, who recently moved from Real Salt Lake to Crystal Palace. In the midfield, 17-year-olds Adri Mehmeti of Red Bull New York and Mathis Albert of Borussia Dortmund are considered promising prospects. Yunus Musah, who has previously faced selection issues with Pochettino, will also have an opportunity to impress.
The forward line features several exciting uncapped options, including Sullivan, Justin Ellis, Julian Hall, and Cole Campbell. On defense, Neil Pierre and Peyton Miller are teenagers who will be closely monitored. Diego Kochen, who trained with the team during the World Cup, has earned a starting position with Lyngby in the Danish League and will now be part of the official camp.
The full roster for the September/October friendlies includes:
Goalkeepers: Chris Brady (Chicago Fire), Matt Freese (New York City FC), Diego Kochen (Lyngby Boldklub/DEN), Brian Schwake (Nashville SC)
Defenders: George Campbell (West Bromwich Albion FC/ENG), Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven/NED), Alex Freeman (Villarreal/ESP), Peyton Miller (New England Revolution), Neil Pierre (Philadelphia Union), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace/ENG), Antonee Robinson (Fulham/ENG), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), Auston Trusty (Celtic/SCO), Frankie Westfield (Philadelphia Union)
Midfielders: Tyler Adams (AFC Bournemouth/ENG), Mathis Albert (Borussia Dortmund/GER), Sebastian Berhalter (Middlesbrough/ENG), Zavier Gozo (Crystal Palace/ENG), Adri Mehmeti (Red Bull New York), Yunus Musah (AC Milan/ITA), Brooklyn Raines (New England Revolution), Gio Reyna (RC Strasbourg Alsace/FRA), Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen/GER)
Forwards: Cole Campbell (SV Elversberg/GER), Justin Ellis (Orlando City SC), Julian Hall (Red Bull New York), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven/NED), Cavan Sullivan (Philadelphia Union)