The United States Men’s National Team have a double international window beginning next week, with four friendlies scheduled against four opponents. Today, USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino announced the 26-man roster that will compete in those friendlies.
With this being the first international window after the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup, Pochettino recognizes that a new World Cup cycle has begun, and he is using the opportunity to call in some new faces. And with four matches ahead of them,
he will have a lot of time to work with them and integrate some or all through game action.
“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 in a statement. “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 26-man 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 (RC Strasbourg Alsace), 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)
Included on the roster includes newcomers Cavan Sullivan, Zavier Gozo, Julian Hall, Mathias Albert, Neil Pierre, Frankie Westfield, Justin Ellis, Brooklyn Raines, Cole Campbell, Adri Mehmeti, George Campbell, Peyton Miller, and Brian Schwake. Diego Kochen also makes the roster. In total, thereare 13 uncapped players on the roster, and the average age of that group is 19 years and 6 months. Several of the players were on recent youth national teams as well. Pochettino is giving a chance to the next generation of players to become integrated with the system in an effort to get a good first impression as the new World Cup cycle begins.
Midfielder Yunus Musah returns to the national team after a nice start to the season for AC Milan
Left off the roster are some mainstays who were excluded for various reasons, including winger Christian Pulisic. Pulisic has struggled in the early part of the season with AC Milan, but it is unclear whether Pochettino opted to look at some new guys over bringing in some of the guys who featured during the World Cup.
The USMNT will take on Peru next Saturday, September 26th at Inter.co Stadium in Orlando. They then travel to Energizer Park in St. Louis to face Chile on September 29th. After a few days break, they head out west to Phoenix to face Mexico on October 3rd at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Finally, they conclude the window with a match against Canada at Allianz Field in St. Paul on October 6th.
