Pulisic Out, 13 Newcomers Join USMNT Roster
Pulisic Out, 13 Newcomers Join USMNT Roster
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Key Points
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The four friendlies are scheduled for specific venues and dates: Peru on Sept. 26 in Orlando, Chile on Sept. 29 in St. Louis, Mexico on Oct. 3 in Glendale, Arizona, and Canada on Oct. 6 in St. Paul, Minnesota.
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Folarin Balogun was also omitted from the squad after failing to appear for AS Monaco following the collapse of his deadline-day move to Everton.
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The friendlies represent the USMNT’s only unofficial matches in the near term, with Concacaf Nations League windows scheduled to occupy the November and March international breaks.
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Sullivan enters camp in strong form, having recorded six goals and five assists in his last eight matches while helping Philadelphia Union go unbeaten across that span.
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Pulisic has scored 33 goals in 90 appearances for the U.S. men’s national team, underscoring the significance of his omission despite his status as the team’s leading star.
U.S. men's national team coach Mauricio Pochettino has left Christian Pulisic off his first roster since taking over the team, dropping a bombshell in his squad selection for upcoming friendlies. News Gazette reports that the 28-player roster includes 13 newcomers and will compete against Peru, Chile, Mexico, and Canada this fall. Pulisic, who has scored 33 goals in 90 appearances for the USMNT, is sidelined with a leg injury and has struggled to secure a starting spot at AC Milan.
The shock omission has fueled speculation about a strained relationship between Pulisic and Pochettino dating to the star's decision to skip the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup. News Gazette reports the roster emphasizes youth, with Philadelphia Union midfielder Cavan Sullivan, just 16 years old, poised to become the youngest U.S. men's national-team player since Freddy Adu debuted in 2006.
Pulisic's Absence Marks Major Shift for USMNT
Christian Pulisic's omission signals a dramatic change in Pochettino's team-building approach. The winger has been a cornerstone of the USMNT for years, but injuries and limited playing time at AC Milan have created uncertainty. News Gazette notes that Pochettino has not publicly explained the decision, allowing speculation about personal friction to dominate discussions. The Gold Cup snub appears to have damaged their relationship irreparably.
Youth Movement Begins With 16-Year-Old Sullivan
Pochettino is betting heavily on young talent, highlighted by Cavan Sullivan's inclusion at just 16 years old. News Gazette reports Sullivan has been in peak form recently, recording six goals and five assists in his last eight matches for the Philadelphia Union. His potential debut would make him the youngest American men's national-team player in nearly two decades, marking a generational shift in the squad's composition.
Four Fall Friendlies Set the Stage for 2026
The USMNT will face Peru on September 26 in Orlando, Chile on September 29 in St. Louis, Mexico on October 3 in Glendale, Arizona, and Canada on October 6 in St. Paul, Minnesota. News Gazette reports these matches serve as Pochettino's only unofficial games before Concacaf Nations League play resumes in November and March. The four opponents provide a tough early test for the rebuilt squad as it begins the long journey toward 2026 World Cup qualification.
13 Newcomers Join Rebuilt USMNT Squad
Beyond Sullivan, Pochettino has summoned 13 other players making their national-team debuts, emphasizing a generational turnover. News Gazette notes that only a handful of players from the recent World Cup roster have earned recalls, including midfielder Yunus Musah. The 28-player squad reflects Pochettino's desire to rebuild quickly and establish his tactical identity before Nations League competition begins.
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