Manager Mauricio Pochettino has announced the United States Men`s National Team (USMNT) squad for the September international window. The team is set to play friendlies against South Korea and Japan, both of whom have qualified for next summer`s World Cup. Following disappointing performances in the Concacaf Nations League and a loss to Mexico in the Gold Cup final, the USMNT faces significant pressure to perform well. A key returnee is Christian Pulisic, who re-joins the squad after opting to rest during the Gold Cup.
However, Pulisic`s return doesn`t signify a full reunion of key players. Notably, Weston McKennie has been omitted from the squad. Despite earning 60 caps and being a regular fixture since September 2024 (except for the Gold Cup due to Juventus commitments), the midfielder was left out. Pochettino explained that he is aware of McKennie`s capabilities but cited a “disjointed preseason” because of the Club World Cup. The manager emphasized that while performance is crucial, this exclusion does not rule out McKennie`s future involvement with the national team. Forward Folarin Balogun was also not called up; instead, Josh Sargent of Norwich City returns to fill the striker position.
Goalkeepers Matt Turner and Zack Steffen are also absent, leaving Matt Freese as the only capped goalkeeper in the current selection. Pochettino plans to extensively evaluate the player pool during this window, with four players potentially earning their first USMNT caps and nine having fewer than ten. This aligns with Pochettino`s strategy of exploring all options before the World Cup, raising questions about when he will establish a settled core squad. Pochettino offered insight into his selection process:
“For me, all players are important. Individual situations are crucial to analyze when making decisions and planning for them. We maintain a roster of 65 players, which we assess weekly. It`s up to them to perform, and our role is to select the best players to create a well-balanced squad.”
He added, “Time is short, as we only started last October, less than a year ago. It’s vital for us to work with players, understanding what certain individuals can offer. This window provides an opportunity for players like Sebastian Berhalter or Luca De La Torre.”
With just 289 days until the 2026 World Cup begins in North America, the USMNT squad remains unsettled. However, this camp is crucial for players looking to secure a spot in a more permanent roster. While regulars such as Sergino Dest, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Tyler Adams, and Pulisic are present, the significant rotation in key positions could make developing team chemistry challenging.
Roster
GOALKEEPERS (3): Roman Celentano (FC Cincinnati; 0/0), Matt Freese (New York City FC; 7/0), Jonathan Klinsmann (Cesena/ITA; 0/0)
DEFENDERS (8): Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew; 10/1), Noahkai Banks (FC Augsburg/GER; 0/0), Tristan Blackmon (Vancouver Whitecaps/CAN; 0/0), Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven/NED; 33/2), Alex Freeman (Orlando City; 7/0), Nathan Harriel (Philadelphia Union; 1/0), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC; 74/1), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace/ENG; 31/3)
MIDFIELDERS (6): Tyler Adams (Bournemouth/ENG; 50/2), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps/CAN; 6/0), Luca de la Torre (San Diego FC; 31/1), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake; 12/3), Jack McGlynn (Houston Dynamo; 11/2), Sean Zawadzki (Columbus Crew; 1/0)
FORWARDS (5): Damion Downs (Southampton/ENG; 5/0), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan/ITA; 78/32), Josh Sargent (Norwich/ENG; 28/5), Tim Weah (Marseille/FRA; 44/7), Alex Zendejas (Club América/MEX; 11/1)
Mixing it up
Only six players from the current squad participated in the 2022 World Cup, highlighting Pochettino`s willingness to select anyone he deems fit, regardless of prior selections. While this demonstrates bold decision-making, such extensive changes so close to the World Cup are perplexing. Some new additions, like Alex Freeman, have impressed in their limited appearances, signaling readiness for the USMNT. Conversely, returning players like Alex Zendejas have faced difficulties, with Zendejas yet to score for Club America since the season`s opening match. This camp offers him a crucial opportunity to prove his worth for a World Cup spot.
Pochettino emphasized that this window is the final opportunity to delve deeply into the player pool. This makes the composition of the October international window squad, which will face Ecuador and Australia and be closer to the final World Cup selection, particularly interesting.
Sergino Dest Returns
Sergino Dest is set to make his first USMNT appearance since March 2024, a welcome return to the squad. Having recovered from his ACL tear, he is back playing for PSV and now rejoins the national team. Although he was called up for the Gold Cup, he was not deemed ready to contribute at that time. Dest`s inclusion is significant as his attacking fullback style aligns perfectly with Pochettino`s tactical preferences. His ability to push high and overlap with Tim Weah could create vital space for Christian Pulisic, an element missing recently. While this camp is too early for Antonee Robinson, who is also regaining fitness, having both starting fullbacks available will drastically enhance the attack and provide defensive stability, especially as the goalkeeper situation is still being finalized.
