Mauricio Pochettino names a heavily changed 28-man USA squad featuring eight teenagers for four upcoming friendlies.
Mauricio Pochettino has named a new-look 28-man USA (81.22) squad for four upcoming friendlies. Only thirteen members of the World Cup squad feature in his heavily changed selection.
A Fresh Start After World Cup Disappointment
The matches represent the USA’s first fixtures since their World Cup exit. Belgium beat them 4-1 in the round of sixteen earlier this year. Pochettino signed a contract extension last month running through the 2030 World Cup.
He described the upcoming window as a genuine reset for the group: “This is the beginning of a fresh start for everyone,” Pochettino said.
He emphasised the importance of instilling his values within the squad: “It will be important that they all understand our culture, our way of working,” he added. “Most importantly, they must show the commitment to representing the country,” Pochettino said.
Teenagers Take Centre Stage
Pochettino selected eight teenagers across his 28-man roster. Sixteen-year-old Cavan Sullivan headlines that group of young players. The Philadelphia Union midfielder will join Manchester City when he turns eighteen. Eighteen-year-old Julian Hall has impressed for the New York Red Bulls.
Twenty-year-old Cole Campbell features from Bundesliga side SV Elversberg. Orlando City’s Justin Ellis, 19, completes the forward options alongside Ricardo Pepi. Defenders Peyton Miller, Neil Pierre and Frankie Westfield also earn call-ups. Twelve uncapped players feature overall in the squad.
Notable Absences
Christian Pulisic misses out as he recovers from his World Cup leg fracture. He has only recently returned to action for AC Milan. Folarin Balogun also remains absent, having yet to play for Monaco this season. Weston McKennie continues managing his own injury problems.
Those absences place greater leadership responsibility on other squad members. Pepi now shepherds a forward line largely composed of teenagers. FC Cincinnati defender Miles Robinson, 29, becomes the squad’s elder statesman.
A Recall And A Demanding Schedule
AC Milan midfielder Yunus Musah earns a recall to the squad. He fell out of favour last year after skipping the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
The USA open against Peru in Orlando, Florida, on 26 September. They then face Chile in St. Louis three days later. A friendly against Mexico follows in Glendale, Arizona, on 3 October. Canada then hosts them in St. Paul, Minnesota, on 6 October.
Those fixtures offer Pochettino a rare extended look at emerging talent. The average age of his newcomers sits at just over 19 years. Facing Mexico will provide a particularly demanding test for those young players.
