United States men’s national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino will kick off the 2030 World Cup cycle after announcing a 28-player roster on Thursday for upcoming September-October international friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico, and Canada.
The biggest selection in the group is 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan. The Philadelphia Union midfielder has impressed during the current Major League Soccer season, which made a question of when he will get the call-up to the senior team.
Pochettino has lived up to his word, as he stated previously that he would bring in a mix of young and veteran players. Thirteen players from the 2026 FIFA World Cup make up the group, while the others are uncapped players looking to impress the Argentine coach.
Players such as Neil Pierre, Zavier Gozo, and Julian Hall will also join Sullivan to earn their first caps. Tyler Adams and Chris Richards comprise the vets, as they have recently started their league seasons in Europe.
Those missing from the roster are Christian Pulisic, as he only recently returned to action with AC Milan after recovering from injury. Weston McKennie was also omitted due to a muscle injury, which has halted his start to the Serie A season with Juventus. Folarin Balogun was a scratch as he has yet to play a game for AS Monaco after the transfer fiasco to Everton.
After a couple of months to rest, Pochettino has emphasized the importance of the players’ focus and commitment as the team prepares for tournaments such as the Concacaf Nations League and Gold Cup, with qualifying for the 2030 World Cup in the mix.
“This is the beginning of a fresh start for everyone, and we are excited in these first matches to bring a group of experienced players along with some young talents who have great potential,” Pochettino said. “It will be important that they all understand our culture, our way of working, and of course the principles of how we want to play. Most importantly, they must show the commitment to representing the country in the way our fans deserve.”
The U.S. will play its first game against Peru on September 26 in Orlando, Florida. Three days later, they will move to St. Louis, Missouri, to face Chile. On October 3, the rivalry comes ahead against Mexico in Glendale, Arizona. The friendlies will wrap up on October 6 in St. Paul, Minnesota, with the game against Canada.
All selected players will report for training in Atlanta on September 20.
Roster
GOALKEEPERS (4): Chris Brady (Chicago Fire), Matt Freese (New York City FC), Diego Kochen (Lyngby Boldklub), Brian Schwake (Nashville SC)
DEFENDERS (10): George Campbell (West Bromwich Albion FC), Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven), Alex Freeman (Villarreal), Peyton Miller (New England Revolution), Neil Pierre (Philadelphia Union), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), Auston Trusty (Celtic), Frankie Westfield (Philadelphia Union)
MIDFIELDERS (9): Tyler Adams (AFC Bournemouth), Mathis Albert (Borussia Dortmund), Sebastian Berhalter (Middlesbrough), Zavier Gozo (Crystal Palace), Adri Mehmeti (Red Bull New York), Yunus Musah (AC Milan), Brooklyn Raines (New England Revolution), Gio Reyna (Strasbourg), Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen)
FORWARDS (5): Cole Campbell (SV Elversberg); Justin Ellis (Orlando City SC), Julian Hall (Red Bull New York), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven), Cavan Sullivan (Philadelphia Union)