Headline: Neil Pierre Prepares for Key U.S. National Team Matches Against Haiti
FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. — Neil Pierre’s second call-up to the U.S. national soccer team marks a significant milestone at just 18 years old, as he has caught the attention of coach Mauricio Pochettino in this new World Cup cycle.
Pochettino is looking for solutions in a thin central defense, and Pierre emerges as a strong candidate with both height and skill, demonstrating an ability to score in the air.
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However, Pierre’s return to the national training center near Atlanta carries personal significance due to the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal opponent the U.S. will face this weekend: Haiti.
The young defender is the son of Haitian immigrants who arrived in New York at 17 and eventually settled in Pennsylvania. This background led to a homegrown contract with the Philadelphia Union nearly two years ago and a steady rise within the U.S. soccer structure.
Adding to the complexity of the match, Pierre’s older brother, Nelson, has represented Haiti’s under-20 program. “There has been a little talk, and he was like, ‘Hey, I want you to win. I want you to do the best, but I do also hope Haiti does a little thing,'” Neil mentioned on Monday.
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Nelson, a 21-year-old center back, is also navigating his career through the Philadelphia Union’s development system. Currently on loan from MLS’s Vancouver Whitecaps to HFX Wanderers in the Canadian Premier League, he remains focused on his soccer journey.
Neil remarked, “It’s definitely a little back and forth between me and him, but it’s brotherly love.” He also shared that his parents are “very, very happy and excited… having their son play against that country [where they were born] at the highest level.”
The first leg of the quarterfinal is set for Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ET in Miami, where Haiti will play in front of a supportive expatriate crowd, as they are prohibited from competing in Port-au-Prince for security reasons. The decisive leg follows on November 17 in Cincinnati.
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Pierre has significant family ties both in the U.S. and Haiti. “I couldn’t count on my hands how many,” he quipped when discussing his relatives. When asked if he could calculate this with the help of his teammate Mark McKenzie, he joked, “I would need his hands and toes.”
Neil Pierre is emerging as a promising option in the USMNT’s defense. But the 18-year-old’s next opponent, Haiti, makes his latest call-up especially meaningful.
(Robin Alam/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
Despite his brother’s move toward an international career with Haiti, Neil has concentrated on representing the U.S. team, particularly after Haiti’s return to the World Cup this past summer after a lengthy absence since 1974.
Growing up in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, and later moving to Blue Bell to facilitate his brother’s commute to the Union academy, Neil’s journey in soccer has been notably consistent.
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Having played for youth national teams for four years, Neil made his debut with the U.S. senior squad as a substitute in a friendly against Peru on September 26, marking one of three appearances made thus far. He was one among 13 players to earn their first caps in a series of recent matches.
“He’s a player who’s shown, for his age, just a lot of maturity,” commented McKenzie, who also came through the Philadelphia academy. “That’s something that sticks out — his poise and his understanding of the game, a player who believes in himself and his ability to perform at the highest levels.”
Pierre’s physical attributes make him stand out, with the Union listing him at 6-7 and the U.S. Soccer Federation at 6-5. He personally claims 6-6½, qualifying him as one of the tallest in program history. Four of his five regular-season goals this year came through headers.
Beyond his height, Pierre has honed his ball skills and decision-making, prompting Pochettino to include him in the senior squad.
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Pierre is also considered a prime candidate for the U-23 team, which will represent the U.S. at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. This under-23 squad is currently training in Spain for friendlies against Scotland and Ukraine.
“I had no sense [which camp he would be joining], but anytime I represent the badge, I’ll be honored and excited for wherever I go,” he expressed.
While several of Pochettino’s previous young call-ups have transitioned to the junior team, Pierre remains with the senior squad along with Philadelphia teammate Cavan Sullivan, who recently became the youngest goal scorer in U.S. history.
Pierre’s opportunity arises as Pochettino faces defensive challenges. With World Cup captain Tim Ream retiring and Miles Robinson unavailable due to injury, several late adjustments were necessary, resulting in Pierre being among the selected individuals to bolster the defense alongside World Cup starters Chris Richards and Alex Freeman.
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Pierre started his first match for the U.S. on September 29 against Chile, contributing to a 4-2 victory in St. Louis.
“For the second time around, definitely, I still have the same confidence, and I think that comes from the players,” he stated. “Each and every player is giving you confidence, and it’s about doing what you’re doing and moving forward.”
As Pochettino begins his second term, he emphasizes the inclusion of young players. This approach ensures that even those not frequently called up gain valuable experience and acclimatize to the expectations at training camps.
“It’s very open — the national team is open,” Pochettino affirmed. “We are following more than 100 players. Plenty of players maybe didn’t have the chance [earlier], but I think it’s important now.”
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Pierre admires McKenzie, who successfully transitioned through the Philadelphia academy to professional soccer, and expressed hope to achieve similar success. “That was a dream of mine to be exactly where Mark was, and I think I slowly started to do that,” he remarked.
From his perspective, McKenzie has observed Pierre’s development with pride, stating, “He’s showing all the right things. He has all the tools to be a top defender, not just in MLS, but he can do it abroad as well and at the international level. … He has a bright future ahead of him.”
