Mauricio Pochettino unveiled his first United States roster since the World Cup, selecting 28 players for a four-game autumn window.
Pochettino Shakes Up the Roster With Eight Teenagers and 13 Uncapped Players
Thirteen players called up have never appeared in a senior national team match. Sullivan has posted six goals and 11 assists across 23 Major League Soccer matches for the Philadelphia Union, marking the most by an American in the league and placing him two behind MLS leader Lionel Messi, while 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan is among the eight teenagers summoned, whose 17th birthday falls on September 28.
The youth movement extends across domestic and European ranks. Joining Sullivan are two of his Philadelphia Union teammates: 18-year-old center back Neil Pierre and 20-year-old right back Frankie Westfield. New York Red Bulls contributed a dynamic teenage tandem in midfielder Adri Mehmeti and forward Julian Hall, the latter of whom has tallied nine goals and five assists. Orlando City forward Justin Ellis, 19, earned a call-up after recording 10 assists, alongside European-based wingers Mathis Albert, Zavier Gozo, and Cole Campbell.
The roster also incorporates familiar figures from the previous campaign, including Tyler Adams, Matt Freese, Antonee Robinson, Chris Richards, Sergiño Dest, Alex Freeman, Sebastian Berhalter, Malik Tillman, and Gio Reyna. Midfielder Yunus Musah returns after missing this year’s World Cup squad, while defender George Campbell also earns a recall.
Christian Pulisic and Key Starters Sidelined by Injuries
The most prominent absence from the 28-player list is Christian Pulisic. His next potential international opportunity is the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals scheduled for November 14–17. Having returned to AC Milan’s regular workouts last month, Pulisic has made two recent substitute appearances as he works his way into the plans of new coach Ruben Amorim.
Alongside Pulisic, World Cup starters Weston McKennie and Folarin Balogun missed selection due to injuries. Veterans Tim Weah and Brenden Aaronson were also omitted from the camp.
Pochettino Warns Against Comparing Young Phenoms to Messi
At the same time, the manager said the team must be pragmatic and cautious regarding teenage phenoms.
You have to be careful because, when you are young, you need self-confidence… but there is a limit. Balance is the most important thing and one of our responsibilities is to protect these boys because, sometimes, if you play well, you are 16,17 or 18 years old and people start talking as if you were Messi…
Mauricio Pochettino, via Marca
The upcoming friendlies serve as immediate preparation for the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals in November, with FC Cincinnati’s TQL Stadium hosting the second leg on November 17.