The U.S. Under-20 Men’s National Team arrives in Chile for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup with a balanced roster and clear ambitions: get out of a tricky group, build momentum, and show that the American youth pathway continues to produce players capable of stepping into the senior national team picture. Head coach Marko Mitrović named his final squad on Sept. 19, and the list mixes domestically developed pros with a handful of Europeans already plying their trade abroad.
Tournament Context and Group
The tournament runs Sept. 27–Oct. 19, 2025, and the U.S. were drawn into Group E alongside France, South Africa, and New Caledonia — a draw that combines a world-class European opponent with physically robust and tactically disciplined sides from Africa and Oceania. That variety presents both opportunity and danger: the Americans can expect France to probe every technical weakness, South Africa to challenge with pace and athleticism, and New Caledonia to bring unpredictability and high energy. Getting the group right — especially the opener versus New Caledonia — will be vital.
Final Prep vs. Morocco
In their final tune-ups before Chile, the U.S. U-20s took on Morocco for a pair of friendlies in Spain. On September 5, the Americans had a convincing victory; after conceding an early goal, they stormed back with 4 unanswered strikes for a dominant 4–1 victory. Zavier Gozo equalized in the 26th minute, Josh Wynder put the U.S. ahead before halftime, and further goals from Matthew Corcoran and Marcos Zambrano sealed a confident performance. Two days later, on September 7, the two sides, with mostly rotated rosters, battled to a 0–0 draw, a more cagey affair where both defenses held firm. These matches provided exactly what Mitrović wanted: a chance to test attacking responses to early adversity, and to see his team manage game states and protect leads. They also sharpened the squad’s mentality ahead of group play, emphasizing resilience and composure.
Squad Construction and Development Pipeline
Mitrović’s 23-player squad blends experience from the CONCACAF qualifying cycle — twelve players return from the 2024 CONCACAF U-20 Championship — with younger prospects who have broken into first-team environments at MLS clubs and in Europe. The roster is notable for its heavy MLS representation, underlining the league’s role as the primary development platform for this age group. At the same time, a handful of high-profile Europe-based players bring elite seasoning that can prove decisive in tournament moments.
This balance is important. The MLS players, many of whom have logged real minutes in senior competition, supply athleticism and confidence. The Europeans, who train daily in intense environments like La Liga, Serie A, and the Bundesliga, bring a different tempo, technical prowess, and tactical nuance. Together, the blend shows the health of the U.S. player pipeline.
Players to Watch
Diego Kochen (Goalkeeper) — The FC Barcelona product will surely be one of the tournament’s most talked-about young keepers. Kochen brings composure, sharp reflexes, and valuable experience in high-pressure training environments. His ability to command his box could be decisive in tight group matches.
Benjamín Cremaschi (Midfielder) — Cremaschi, who honed his game alongside Lionel Messi at Inter Miami before his recently European move to Parma, has become the U.S. midfield engine. Vision, ball-carrying, and composure under pressure make him the natural connector between defense and attack. He is the player Mitrović will look to when the U.S. needs a moment of quality to unlock defenses.
Josh Wynder (Center-Back) — Currently with Benfica, Wynder brings maturity beyond his years. Strong in duels and adept at building from the back, he will be tested heavily against France’s attacking corps. His leadership in the defense will be crucial to U.S. hopes.
Cole Campbell (Forward) — A product of Borussia Dortmund’s academy, Campbell adds pace and a clinical edge in the final third. Tournament football often turns on half-chances, and Campbell has the skillset to punish opponent’s lapses.
Niko Tsakiris (Midfielder) — Among the most exciting American midfield talents, the San Jose Earthquakes’ homegrown star is a creative hub. Tsakiris has already broken into MLS first-team minutes and earned accolades in the 2024 CONCACAF U-20 Championship, where he was nominated for U.S. Soccer Young Male Player of the Year. Known for his vision, passing range, and ability to dictate tempo, he offers the U.S. a true playmaker’s touch. Against compact defenses, Tsakiris may be the one to unlock a decisive goal. If the US is to make a deep tournament run, Tsakiris will likely have to play a key role.
Tactical Outlook
Mitrović’s approach blends structure with quick transitions. With technically comfortable midfielders like Cremaschi and Tsakiris, the U.S. can control tempo and spread play. Athletic fullbacks and wingers provide width, while a mobile front line ensures the Americans can strike quickly.
Defensively, the U.S. must remain compact. Youth tournaments often hinge on minimizing errors. If Wynder and Norris can anchor the backline effectively, and the midfield can press with discipline, the U.S. will stay competitive. Set pieces, too, will play a role — both as an attacking weapon and a defensive test.
Chances and Roadmap
Realistically, the U.S. should target a top-two finish in Group E. France are favorites on talent, but a disciplined U.S. performance could secure a valuable point. South Africa brings athletic challenges, while New Caledonia is a must-win scenario that cannot be underestimated.
If the U.S. advance, the knockout rounds will test depth and endurance. A quarterfinal berth is the minimum expectation and something the USMNT has been accustomed at this level, while a semifinals run would signal genuine progress. Anything beyond that would be a breakthrough, confirming the U.S. as a rising youth power on the world stage.
What to Watch in the Group Stage
- The opener vs. New Caledonia — a chance to set the tone.
- The clash with France — a barometer of how far this group has developed.
- Rotation against South Africa — can Mitrović manage minutes without losing sharpness?
Conclusion
This U.S. U-20 roster is a snapshot of where American soccer development stands: MLS academies providing depth, European clubs polishing elite talents, and a generation hungry to make its mark. With leaders like Wynder and Kochen anchoring the back, and creative sparks like Cremaschi and Tsakiris orchestrating in midfield, the U.S. carries both grit and flair.
The group stage will be no stroll, but if Mitrović’s men carry lessons from their Morocco friendlies and maintain composure, they have every chance to advance. The 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup will be a proving ground — not just for these 23 players, but for the trajectory of U.S. soccer as a whole.
Complete Roster by position (Club/Country; Hometown; U20 MNT Caps/Goals)
GOALKEEPERS (3): 12-Adam Beaudry (Colorado Rapids; Castle Pines, Colo.; 7/0), 21-Duran Ferree (San Diego FC; San Diego, Calif.; 1/0), 1-Diego Kochen (FC Barcelona/ESP; Miramar, Fla.; 5/0)
DEFENDERS (7): 2-Reed Baker-Whiting (Seattle Sounders; Seattle, Wash.; 7/0), 18-Luca Bombino (San Diego FC; Saugus, Calif.; 9/0), 5-Noah Cobb (Colorado Rapids; Chattanooga, Tenn.; 13/0), 16-Ethan Kohler (SC Verl/GER; Campbell, Calif.; 12/1), 3-Nolan Norris (FC Dallas; Fort Worth, Texas; 16/0), 17-Francis Westfield (Philadelphia Union; Philadelphia, Pa.; 7/0), 4-Joshua Wynder (Benfica/POR; Louisville, Ky.; 11/1)
MIDFIELDERS (6): 19-Matthew Corcoran (Nashville SC; Dallas, Texas; 5/1), 8-Benjamin Cremaschi (Parma/ITA; Key Biscayne, Fla.; 9/2), 14-Taha Habroune (Columbus Crew; Columbus, Ohio; 14/2), 6-Brooklyn Raines (Houston Dynamo; Chicago, Ill.; 15/1), 15-Pedro Soma (San Diego FC; Coconut Creek, Fla.; 15/2), 10-Niko Tsakiris (San Jose Earthquakes; Saratoga, Calif.; 23/8)
FORWARDS (5): 11-Luke Brennan (Atlanta United; Atlanta, Ga.; 10/2), 7-Cole Campbell (Borussia Dortmund/GER; Peachtree City, Ga.; 3/0), 20-Zavier Gozo (Real Salt Lake City; Eagle Mountain, Utah; 11/2), 13-Peyton Miller (New England Revolution; Unionville, Conn.; 6/1), 9-Marcos Zambrano (Real Salt Lake; Gladwyne, Pa.; 13/6)
