Pochettino Prepares for U.S. Roster Announcement Ahead of Upcoming Matches
Mauricio Pochettino is set to announce his roster for the first official matches since the World Cup, with only days to go. This selection will not only involve typical choices for any international window but will also require careful consideration of whether emerging young talents should join the senior team or the junior squad eyeing Olympic success.
Starting November 9, the senior team will convene to prepare for the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals against Haiti, while Steve Cherundolo will gather his under-23 team to get a head start on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Six weeks ago, Pochettino included a dozen newcomers in the senior camp, raising interest in this week’s selections. During recent victories over teams from Peru, Chile, Mexico, and Canada, several newcomers proved their readiness to compete at this level.
Many of these players may join Cherundolo’s squad for an overseas camp and friendly matches. Cherundolo previously collaborated with Pochettino’s staff during the last camp, and both coaches are working together on the upcoming selections.
With heightened attention on the upcoming Olympics, the U.S. Soccer Federation aims to form a competitive team. Notably, Olympic men’s soccer is limited to players aged 23 and under, allowing for three overage players. Cherundolo plans to hold additional camps during many of the international windows in the coming 18 months.
Currently, Pochettino may have to narrow down his list of players for the national training center in the Atlanta area, followed by matches against Haiti on November 14 in Miami and November 17 in Cincinnati. The U.S. team has a strong track record, having never failed to reach the final four.
Pochettino’s key decisions will likely revolve around the strikers. After missing the September-October call-up for injury recovery, top forwards Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi made comebacks, scoring as substitutes for their respective teams, Monaco and PSV Eindhoven. This marked Balogun’s first goal since the World Cup’s round of 32.
Both players are participating in European competitions this week: Eindhoven will host Club Brugge in the Champions League, while Monaco plays against Nordsjaelland in the Conference League.
Christian Pulisic also returned to form, scoring the opening goal in AC Milan’s 3-1 victory over Inter Milan. He will contend again in the Europa League against Ferencvaros this Thursday.
Barring any injuries, Pochettino appears likely to include these three players in the upcoming matches since their last action following the World Cup.
In recent friendlies, young players Justin Ellis (Orlando) and Julian Hall (Red Bull New York) gained valuable experience, starting in two games each at striker. Ellis scored in two matches, while Hall netted goals in the first three.
Among the twelve goals scored by the U.S., seven came from teenage talent. St. Louis’ Damion Downs, 22, stepped in for Pepi at striker.
If Pochettino seeks an immediate striker solution, he might consider Vancouver’s Brian White, who scored twice in a recent match, bringing his season total to 20 goals. However, Pulisic’s absence allowed 17-year-old Cavan Sullivan to make history as the youngest scorer for the U.S. team.
Though Sullivan faced an ankle injury that caused him to miss two matches, he returned as a substitute. Meanwhile, European-based wingers Mathis Albert and Zavier Gozo have also debuted but have not secured regular playing time with their clubs.
Other notable absences from recent friendlies include midfielder Weston McKennie and winger Tim Weah. McKennie was expected to return but exited Juventus’ match with a reported adductor injury.
Jack McGlynn, a right winger for Stoke City, also seeks a return to the national team after missing the World Cup, recently contributing to his team with a goal and an assist.
American players are also making waves in the English Championship, with several contributing to their teams’ successes. Only midfielder Sebastian Berhalter appears nearly certain to secure a U.S. callback following impressive performances.
Pochettino and Cherundolo are expected to announce their rosters at least a day apart later this week.
