Mauricio Pochettino names a 24‑player USMNT squad featuring five first‑timers, while veteran stars Pulisic, McKennie and Balogun sit out ahead of friendlies against Peru.
U.S. men’s national team coach Mauricio Pochettino announced a 24‑player roster for a quartet of upcoming friendlies, including a high‑profile clash with Peru. The list blends continuity with fresh talent, spotlighting five players who have never donned the senior jersey.
New faces break into the senior squad
Midfielder Cavan Sullivan, forward Mathis Albert and defender Zavier Gozo are among the twelve newcomers named to the roster. All three have been earmarked as long‑term prospects, and the call‑up marks a significant milestone in their development pathways.
In addition to the trio, two other players – not named in the brief – also received their first senior call‑up, bringing the total of first‑time selections to five. Their inclusion reflects Pochettino’s intent to broaden the talent pool ahead of the next World Cup cycle.
Veterans omitted from the lineup
The squad list also confirms the absence of several high‑profile regulars who featured prominently at the 2022 World Cup. Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and forward Folarin Balogun were left out of the 24‑man group, a decision that has sparked discussion among fans and pundits.
Pulisic, the U.S. captain and MLS star, is expected to rest after a demanding club season, while McKennie and Balogun are reportedly focusing on recovery and club commitments. Their omission does not signal a permanent exclusion, but rather a strategic rotation as the team experiments with new combinations.
Friendlies on the horizon
The United States will face Peru in a two‑match series, providing a platform for the new call‑ups to showcase their abilities against a competitive South American side. The fixtures are scheduled for early September and will be streamed on major platforms, giving supporters ample opportunity to watch the emerging talent in action.
Pochettino emphasized the importance of these matches for assessing depth and cohesion. "We have a solid core from the World Cup, but it’s crucial to integrate fresh energy and evaluate how the group performs together," he said in the pre‑match briefing.
Looking ahead
Beyond the friendlies, the coach hinted that the expanded pool could influence selections for upcoming CONCACAF Nations League matches and the 2026 World Cup, which the United States will co‑host. The blend of seasoned internationals and promising newcomers aims to create a balanced squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.
As the U.S. team prepares for the Peru series, the soccer community will be watching closely to see how the newcomers adapt and whether the veteran absences open doors for a new generation of American stars.
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