Pochettino names 28-man USMNT squad for September-October window; Pulisic left out

Mauricio Pochettino on 17 September 2026 announced a 28-player United States men’s national team squad for the September-October international window ahead of friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada. Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun and Weston McKennie are notable absentees as they regain their fitness.

Sixteen-year-old Cavan Sullivan and midfielder Gio Reyna are among the call-ups, the manager revealed. Pochettino is described in the announcement as the returning manager, and the squad comes after the USMNT's run to the Round of 16 at this summer’s World Cup. The selection includes players who formed part of the FIFA World Cup 2026 squad, with the manager again able to select Reyna following his World Cup inclusion.

The roster names four goalkeepers: Chris Brady (Chicago Fire FC), Matt Freese (New York City FC), Diego Kochen (Lyngby Boldklub) and Brian Schwake (Nashville SC). Defenders listed are George Campbell (West Bromwich Albion), 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) and Frankie Westfield (Philadelphia Union), comprising ten defenders in total.

The midfield group features 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), Reyna (RC Strasbourg Alsace) and Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen). That selection accounts for nine midfielders named to the squad.

Forwards called into the squad are Cole Campbell (SV Elversberg), Justin Ellis (Orlando City SC), Julian Hall (Red Bull New York), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven) and Cavan Sullivan (Philadelphia Union), a group of five attackers which includes the 16-year-old Sullivan. The players will assemble for a four-match schedule during the 16-day international break.

"A new cycle commences. 🇺🇸Mauricio Pochettino has called up 28 players for a four-match window in September & October! #USMNT x @ouraring pic.twitter.com/ChaoDynJyj"

The first friendly is scheduled for 27 September at 2 am IST against Peru, with Chile to follow and Mexico and Canada completing the four-match window.